bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Tuning Generalized Minimum Variance Control Based on On-Demand Type Feedback Controller
Authors: Yanou Akira ,   Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Minami Mamoru , Matsuno Takayuki
Published: October 2016

[abstFig src='/00280005/08.jpg' width='300' text='Feedback signal is generated on demand' ] This paper proposes a design method of self-tuning generalized minimum variance control based on on-demand type feedback controller. A controller, such as generalized minimum variance control (GMVC), generalized predictive control (GPC) and so on, can be extended by using coprime factorization. Then new design parameter is introduced into the extended controller, and the parameter can re-design the characteristic of the extended controller, keeping the closed-loop characteristic that way. Although strong stability systems can be obtained by the extended controller in order to design safe systems, focusing on feedback signal, the extended controller can adjust the magnitude of the feedback signal. That is, the proposed controller can drive the magnitude of the feedback signal to zero if the control objective was achieved. In other words the feedback signal by the proposed method can appear on demand of achieving the control objective. Therefore this paper proposes on-demand type feedback controller using self-tuning GMVC for plant with uncertainty. A numerical example is shown in order to check the characteristic of the proposed method.
Control Parameters Tuning Method of Nonlinear Model Predictive Controller Based on Quantitatively Analyzing
Authors: Henmi Tomohiro ,   Department of Electro-Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Kagawa College
Published: October 2016

[abstFig src='/00280005/11.jpg' width='300' text='ANMPC controller' ] The parameter-tuning method we discuss is for an Adaptive Nonlinear Model Predictive Controller (ANMPC). The MPC is optimization-based controller and decides control input to realize system output that tracks a reference trajectory through “optimal computation.” The reference trajectory is ideal trajectory of system output to converge on a desired value, i.e. controlled system performance depends on the reference trajectory. As a MPC controller which applies to the nonlinear systems, our group has already proposed an adaptive nonlinear MPC (ANMPC) for a tracking control problem of nonlinear two-link planar manipulators. This ANMPC uses a new reference trajectory having control parameters that must be tuned based on the desired controlled system’s responses and properties. To reduce troublesome parameter tuning, we propose new parameter-tuning method for ANMPC by a quantitative analysis of the relationship between a system’s behavior and ANMPC parameters. Numerically simulating the two-link nonlinear manipulator’s tracking control under various conditions demonstrates that proposed tuning method tunes the ANMPC effectively.
Realization of Prefilter for Virtual Reference Feedback Tuning Using Closed-Loop Step Response Data
Authors: Matsui Yoshihiro ,   Department of Electrical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tokyo College, Ayano Hideki , Masuda Shiro , Nakano Kazushi ,   Graduate School of System Design, Tokyo Metropolitan University,   Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications
Published: October 2016

[abstFig src='/00280005/13.jpg' width='300' text='VRFT model matching problem with prefilter F(z)' ] Prefilters for Virtual Reference Feedback Tuning (VRFT) in the time domain are realized by the least-squares method with step reference response data acquired from the closed-loop system to be tuned and are used to obtain controller parameters for making closed-loop systems as close as possible to the desired reference model. The usefulness of this proposal is shown in numerical examples in which fifth-order and PID controllers for a flexible transmission system are tuned by VRFT with prefilters.
Design and Experimental Evaluation of a Data-Oriented Generalized Predictive PID Controller
Authors: Guan Zhe ,   Graduate School of Engineering, Hiroshima University, Wakitani Shin , Yamamoto Toru ,   Institute of Engineering, Hiroshima University
Published: October 2016

[abstFig src='/00280005/15.jpg' width='300' text='Schematic figure of data-oriented GPC-PID controller' ] This paper presents a data-oriented technique for designing a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller based on a generalized predictive control law for linear unknown systems. In several control design approaches, a model-based control theory, which requires accurate modeling and identification of the plant, is used to calculate the control parameters. However, in higher-order systems and/or systems with an unknown time delay such as chemical industries and thermal industries, it is difficult to model or identify the plant accurately. Over the last decade, data-oriented techniques in which the online or offline data are utilized have been attracting considerable attention. Designing the controllers for unknown plants based on only the input/output data is the main feature of this technique. In this study, controller parameters are first obtained by using a generalized predictive control law with the data-oriented technique, and are converted to PID parameters from the practical point of view. The proposed method is validated experimentally using a real injection-molding machine. The results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Virtual Reference Feedback Tuning for Cascade Control Systems
Authors: Nguyen Huy Quang ,   Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kaneko Osamu , Kitazaki Yoshihiko ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering and Intelligent Systems, The University of Electro-Communications
Published: October 2016

[abstFig src='/00280005/17.jpg' width='300' text='Data-driven approach to cascade control systems' ] Virtual Reference Feedback Tuning (VRFT), proposed by Campi et al., is an effective data-driven tuning method used in feedback controllers because the desired parameters implemented in the controller are obtained by using only one-shot experiment data. In this paper, we apply VRFT to cascade control systems. We also discuss the meaning of the cost function to be minimized. A numerical example is demonstrated to show an effectiveness and validity of our proposed method.
Experimental Analysis of Bubble-Breaker Devices
Authors: Rodrigues Hendy T. , Almeida Alcino R.
Published: October 2016

Multiphase flow in pipes plays an important role in the oil and gas industry because the pressure losses along tubings, flowlines, and risers have a direct impact on overall production. In offshore wells, this is more critical because of the greater depths and longer tie-backs, which increase both the frictional and gravitational pressure losses. In this context, multiphase-flow optimization, isolated or in association with artificial lift or boosting methods, may significantly help to increase production.

This work investigates the potential of a method to optimize multiphase flow in vertical pipes through an imposed change in the gas-bubble geometry, more specifically in the bubble diameter. This change in the bubble's geometry is performed by a mechanical device and may reduce the slip between phases, and as a consequence, decrease the gravitational term in the pressure gradient, resulting in less overall pressure loss. In principle, it can be applied to oil-flowing wells with medium to high gas/oil content or to gas lifted wells. This paper explains the relationship between bubble diameter and pressure drop, and presents experimental results that support the potential of such technology. The experimental data were collected first in a small-scale installation using air and water, and then in an experimental well with natural gas and oil. Several geometries of the mechanical bubble-breaker device were tested and compared.
Nitrapyrin Improves Grain Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Summer Maize Waterlogged in the Field
Authors: Ren Baizhao , Zhang Jiwang , Dong Shuting , Liu Peng , Zhao Bin , Li Hui
Published: October 2016

Core Ideas

Waerlogging decreases N efficiency.

Nitrapyrin application increased N efficiency of waterlogged summer maize.

Nitrapyrin application increased grain yield of waterlogged maize.

Effects of nitrapyrin [2‐chloro‐6‐(trichloromethyl) pyridine] on grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of summer maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids Denghai 605 (DH605) and Zhengdan 958 (ZD958) waterlogged in the field were investigated. Results showed that waterlogging significantly decreased NUE, nitrogen partial factor productivity (NPFP), and nitrogen harvest index (NHI) of summer maize, resulting in the inhibition of N transport and assimilation, and ultimately resulted in a significant grain yield reduction. Grain yields of DH605 and ZD958 were reduced by 38 and 42%, respectively, compared to no waterlogging treatment. However, nitrapyrin application increased N efficiency of waterlogged summer maize. Under waterlogged conditions, nitrapyrin application significantly increased NUE, NHI, and NPFP of DH605 by 9, 10, and 24%, respectively. For ZD958, the respective increases were 13, 11, and 33%. As a result, nitrapyrin application effectively increased grain yield of DH605 and ZD958 by 22 and 33%, respectively, under waterlogged condition. Nitrapyrin application has potential to increase grain yield and NUE of summer maize in waterlogged field.
Existence and Stability of the Libration Points in the Circular Restricted Three Body Problem with Variable Masses
Authors: Abdullah  , Alam Mehtab
Published: October 2016

We have investigated the existence and stability of the libration points in the circular restricted three body problem with the variation of all the masses (primaries and infinitesimal body) with time. We have used the Meshcherskii transformation for finding the autonomized equations of motion and found at most nine libration points. We have drawn the zero velocity curves and Poincare surface of sections for the different values of parameter k. Finally, we have checked the stability and found that all the libration points are unstable.
A composite framework of river sustainability: integration across time, space and interests in the Yellow River and Ganges River
Authors: Wu Huijuan , Leong Ching
Published: October 2016

The concept of sustainability has a key component of balancing developmental needs of the present and the future, what we call the time element (TE). Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) has emerged as a paradigm of river governance, balancing different interests and needs. This we call the Interest Element (IE). This paper explores how IWRM incorporates sustainability, leading to stronger river governance, reflecting the balance between timeframes as well as across different interests. We investigate the use of indicators for integrated assessment of two large river basins, the Yellow River basin in China and the Ganges River basin in India. The process analysis method is employed for developing framework. A tailored indicator set is selected and categorized under three domains, environmental performance, social wellbeing, and economic development. This framework provides policy-makers with a holistic review of river sustainability through tailored indicator sets, which can be used for underpinning IWRM policies. This speaks to our argument that an explicit recognition of sustainability indicators, resulting in a composite model makes for both conceptual clarity and better policy directions. This paper concludes with a series of key elements for IWRM through a comparative study of river management regimes in China and India.
Decomposition of xenobiotics during visible light irradiation in the presence of immobilised photosensitisers: kinetics study
Authors: Olak-Kucharczyk M. , Foszpańczyk M. , Gmurek M. , Ledakowicz S.
Published: October 2016

The objective of this work was to study the photosensitised oxidation of the xenobiotics benzylparaben (BeP) and 2,4dichlorophenol (2,4DCP) in aqueous solutions using photosensitisers immobilised into chitosan carrier particles and visible light radiation. Zn(II) phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate tetrasodium salt and Al(III) phthalocyanine chloride tetrasulfonic acid were used as photosensitisers. The major role of the singlet oxygen during photodegradation was proven by using scavengers of reactive oxygen species. The influence of initial xenobiotic concentration and temperature on degradation rate was examined. The investigations were focused on kinetics (Langmuir–Hinshelwood model) as well as activation energy determination. Moreover, the adsorption isotherms of BeP and 2,4DCP into chitosan carrier were determined using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller model.
A formação em pós-graduação na periferia da periferia
Authors: Da Silva Keila Paiva , V. Bastos Ana Paula
Published: October 2016

Este estudo apresenta uma análise a respeito da contribuição do conhecimento adquirido na pós-graduação para o desenvolvimento regional, fundamentando-se em duas correntes: uma que defende a ideia tradicional do investimento em ciência básica como elemento essencial para o desenvolvimento econômico de qualquer região e outra que defende a interdisciplinaridade como resposta à fragmentação causada por uma epistemologia de cunho positivista, que vem ocupando cada vez mais espaço nas universidades brasileiras, com a ampliação crescente de programas de pós-graduação stricto sensu, perante a necessidade que a sociedade do conhecimento, informacional e globalizada impõe à ciência moderna como solução para essa nova forma organizacional. A pesquisa baseou-se na coleta de dados secundários, que foram analisados por meio dos coeficientes de correlação, de especialização e de reestruturação. Os resultados mostraram que a desigualdade regional ainda limita o processo de formação e, consequentemente, de inovação do País, sendo que esses são alguns dos fatores que impedem o crescimento econômico equitativo das regiões.
Evaluating the Impact of Microfinance for Women in Albania
Authors: Muharremi Oltiana , Madani Filloreta , Pelari Erald
Published: October 2016

Microfinance is defined as any activity involving the offering of financial services such as loans, savings and insurance to individuals with low income. Creating social value includes reducing poverty and having a better impact to improve living conditions through capital for micro-enterprises; insurance and savings deposits for reducing risk and boosting consumption. Worldwide microfinance actors promote access to basic financial services by developing new tools, a variety of products and the adoption of an integrated banking access.

Initially, microfinance was largely gender neutral: it sought to provide credit to the poor who had no assets to pledge as collateral. It quickly emerged, however, that women invested their business profits in ways that would have a longer-lasting impact on their families and communities. Consequently women became fundamental to the success of the microfinance model as a poverty alleviation tool. The purpose of this article is to examine the impact of microfinance loans in improving the lives of women borrowers, as well as in strengthening their social influence and the microcredit impact in promoting savings. This study is based on an empirical investigation of 384 structured questionnaires and surveys directed at microfinance institutions and their clients in the regions of Vlore and Fier, Albania.
Vector Control in Developing Countries: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Allardyce Claire S. , Dyson Paul J. , Grätzel Michael
Published: October 2016

Undoubtedly, reducing vector populations or their interactions with hosts below a critical level is a practical and proven method of disease control. Introduction of insecticide-treated bed nets has significantly reduced malaria in some parts of the world. However, for many reasons,
implementation of such strategies is challenging and the protection offered by particular products limited: bed nets are only effective during sleep. Other methods have been launched, but low customer appeal, high cost, low specificity, and lack of sustainability and effectiveness are often
reasons for failure. The proposed solution to these problems should also consider safety and environmental impact and be forward-thinking for continued functioning in a rapidly changing local environment. To this end, a chemical system has been identified that could be used to make an autonomous trap with chemo-attractant system.
Detection and Estimation of Re-Refined Engine Oil Bottoms in Asphalt Binders: Texas Department of Transportation’s Approach with Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Barborak Ryan C. , Coward Clifton E. , Lee Robert E.
Published: October 2016

The Texas Department of Transportation investigated the use of wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectroscopy to estimate the amount of re-refined engine oil bottoms (REOB) in asphalt binders. The objectives of this investigation were to use WDXRF to detect and quantify REOB in binder samples and to evaluate the accuracy of the quantified content. The detection of REOB in asphalt binders was determined by the presence of the elements phosphorus, molybdenum, zinc, copper, calcium, and potassium. Quantifying REOB content was achieved by determining the intensity of these elements and correlating that intensity with a known dosage of REOB with the use of a calibration standard. More than 100 binder and REOB combinations were prepared, and four calibration standards were developed for this study. The data analysis determined that correlations were specific to binder and REOB combinations. Significant error was introduced into the analysis when the REOB content for a sample was quantified according to a calibration curve that did not include the same binder and REOB. In one case, as much as a 92.0% error was introduced by that approach. To reduce this error and provide a reliable method, vanadium (V) and sulfur (S) intensities were used to select the appropriate calibration standard. Error was reduced by as much as half or more when the REOB content was quantified on the basis of selecting a calibration standard with similar S and V intensities.
Effect of Rejuvenators on Rheological, Chemical, and Aging Properties of Asphalt Binders Containing Recycled Binders
Authors: Karki Pravat , Zhou Fujie
Published: October 2016

The use of reclaimed asphalt pavements (RAP) and recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) in pavements has already become a norm in the United States because of the substantial reduction in construction cost, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. However, highway agencies are still reluctant to increase the overall percentage of RAP and RAS in asphalt pavement mixtures because of a higher potential of premature cracking in these pavements. To avoid early pavement failures and untoward maintenance cost, rejuvenators are being increasingly used in asphalt mixtures to reconstruct the chemical structures of oxidized RAP and RAS binders. However, the overall effects of rejuvenators on the properties of asphalt binders have not been well studied in recent years and used in determining the optimum dosages for different rejuvenators. This study characterizes the effects of rejuvenators on the rheological, chemical, aging, rutting, and cracking properties of asphalt binders containing recycled binders and then uses the findings to recommend optimum dosages. To that end, PG 64-22 virgin binders were blended with different types of rejuvenators and recycled binders at various concentrations. Laboratory test results showed that rejuvenators could reduce the stiffness, oxidation, and cracking potential of these blends. Results also suggested that selecting the rejuvenator dosage and type on the basis of only one criterion could not meet the specifications of traditional virgin binders. In addition, the results showed that different rejuvenators worked differently with different mixtures.
Temperature Effects of Linear Amplitude Sweep Testing and Analysis
Authors: Safaei Farinaz , Castorena Cassie
Published: October 2016

Fatigue cracking is a critical distress in asphalt pavements. The linear amplitude sweep (LAS) test has recently been proposed for accelerated fatigue characterization of asphalt binders (AASHTO TP 101). The fatigue resistance of asphalt pavements depends on temperature because of the inherent viscoelastic nature of the asphalt binder contained in the pavement. This study sought to develop recommendations for the selection of LAS test temperature based on climatic performance grades (PGs). Developing recommendations for selecting the test temperature involved two components: investigation of climatic data for a wide range of PGs and investigation of the effect of linear viscoelastic dynamic shear modulus on the observed failure mechanism in the LAS test. Results demonstrate that test temperatures should be selected such that linear dynamic shear moduli fall within the range of 12 to 60 MPa to avoid the confounding effects of flow or adhesion loss. On the basis of the aforementioned moduli range—coupled with the analysis of pavement temperature data corresponding to a range of PGs and geographic regions—it is recommended that the LAS test temperature be selected as the average climatic PG minus 4°C. In addition, temperature effects are incorporated into simplified viscoelastic continuum damage modeling of LAS test results to enable the prediction of fatigue performance under any temperature and loading history of interest using LAS test results at a single temperature coupled with linear viscoelastic time–temperature shift factors.
Quantifying the Thermomechanical Response of Bitumen from Microphase Properties
Authors: Nahar S. N. , Schmets A. J. M. , Schitter G. , Scarpas A.
Published: October 2016

The macroscopic mechanical response properties of bituminous materials originate from the mechanical properties at the microstructural level. From atomic force microscopy (AFM) investigations, it is evident that mainly two material phases are present in bitumen; these phases can be loosely associated with bitumen’s chemical composition (i.e., crude oil origin). However, little is known about the mechanical properties of the constituent phases of bitumen. In this research, an AFM technique was used to obtain mechanical property maps of two bitumens. This technique can distinguish between phases and provide quantitative results. The mechanical properties at the nano- to micrometer-length scale govern the overall properties of bitumen when considered as a microscale composite material. A mechanics approach is followed to derive the composite modulus from the individual phase properties. Furthermore, the temperature dependence of mechanical properties is determined on heating the bitumens from ambient conditions. With an increase in temperature, the moduli of both phases decrease, whereas the phases become more adhesive. The results demonstrate a successful quantitative characterization of the mechanical properties of bitumen microphases and the subsequent coarse graining of these properties into composite mechanical response properties. These mechanical properties (i.e., stiffness and adhesion potential) are important input parameters for material design and modeling and will allow one to predict the macroscopic behavior of asphalt concrete according to fundamental quantities. Finally, a better understanding of the temperature dependence of microstructural mechanical properties can contribute to the understanding of the thermorheological properties of bitumen for optimal processing conditions and best performance.
High-Temperature Properties of Asphalt Binders: Comparison of Multiple Stress Creep Recovery and Performance Grading Systems
Authors: Behnood Ali , Shah Ayesha , McDaniel Rebecca S. , Beeson Matthew , Olek Jan
Published: October 2016

The Superpave® high-temperature test protocol has been shown to be inadequate for characterizing the high-temperature behavior of asphalt binders, particularly those that are polymer modified. Recently, a specification based on the multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) test was proposed to address the shortcomings of the Superpave high-temperature binder specifications. This study aimed to investigate the merits of implementing the current MSCR test protocol as a replacement for the performance-graded high-temperature test. A statistical analysis was conducted on a data set from the Indiana Department of Transportation to see how MSCR and performance grading procedures differ in grading various binders. In addition, an experimental study was conducted with 16 modified and unmodified binders. The results indicated that the MSCR test was a suitable replacement for the performance grade test because it provided a better tool to rank modified asphalt binders as well as unmodified ones. That is, creep compliance from the MSCR test more fundamentally represented binder behavior at high temperatures compared with the performance grade rutting parameter. In addition, the simplified approach—known as grade-bumping—used in the current Superpave mix design system to account for high traffic levels and low speed limits can be eliminated when the MSCR test is used.
Save Generation from Substance Abuse
Authors: Rahim Dewan AKM Abdur
Published: October 2016

Abstract not availableJ Enam Med Col 2016; 6(3): 122-123
A Variable Block Insertion Heuristic for the Blocking Flowshop Scheduling Problem with Total Flowtime Criterion
Authors: Tasgetiren Mehmet , Pan Quan-Ke , Kizilay Damla , Gao Kaizhou
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we present a variable block insertion heuristic (VBIH) algorithm to solve the blocking flowshop scheduling problem with the total flowtime criterion. In the VBIH algorithm, we define a minimum and a maximum block size. After constructing the initial sequence, the VBIH algorithm starts with a minimum block size being equal to one. It removes the block from the current sequence and inserts it into the partial sequence sequentially with a predetermined move size. The sequence, which is obtained after several block moves, goes under a variable local search (VLS), which is based on traditional insertion and swap neighborhood structures. If the new sequence obtained after the VLS local search is better than the current sequence, it replaces the current sequence. As long as it improves, it keeps the same block size. However, if it does not improve, the block size is incremented by one and a simulated annealing-type of acceptance criterion is used to accept the current sequence. This process is repeated until the block size reaches at the maximum block size. Furthermore, we present a novel constructive heuristic, which is based on the profile fitting heuristic from the literature. The proposed constructive heuristic is able to further improve the best known solutions for some larger instances in a few seconds. Parameters of the constructive heuristic and the VBIH algorithm are determined through a design of experiment approach. Extensive computational results on the Taillard’s well-known benchmark suite show that the proposed VBIH algorithm outperforms the discrete artificial bee colony algorithm, which is one of the most efficient algorithms recently in the literature. Ultimately, 52 out of the 150 best known solutions are further improved with substantial margins.
Antioxidant Activity of Oat Proteins Derived Peptides in Stressed Hepatic HepG2 Cells
Authors: Du Yichen , Esfandi Ramak , Willmore William , Tsopmo Apollinaire
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine, for the first time, antioxidant activities of seven peptides (P1–P7) derived from hydrolysis of oat proteins in a cellular model. In the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, it was found that P2 had the highest radical scavenging activity (0.67 ± 0.02 µM Trolox equivalent (TE)/µM peptide) followed by P5, P3, P6, P4, P1, and P7 whose activities were between 0.14–0.61 µM TE/µM). In the hepatic HepG2 cells, none of the peptides was cytotoxic at 20–300 µM. In addition to having the highest ORAC value, P2 was also the most protective (29% increase in cell viability) against 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride -induced oxidative stress. P1, P6, and P7 protected at a lesser extent, with an 8%–21% increase viability of cells. The protection of cells was attributed to several factors including reduced production of intracellular reactive oxygen species, increased cellular glutathione, and increased activities of three main endogenous antioxidant enzymes.
Correction: Jacobsen, C.S., et al. Continuous Variable Quantum Key Distribution with a Noisy Laser. Entropy 2015, 17, 4654–4663
Authors: Jacobsen Christian , Gehring Tobias , Andersen Ulrik
Published: October 2016

n/a
On the Virtual Cell Transmission in Ultra Dense Networks
Authors: Zhu Xiaopeng , Zeng Jie , Su Xin , Xiao Chiyang , Wang Jing , Huang Lianfen
Published: October 2016

Ultra dense networks (UDN) are identified as one of the key enablers for 5G, since they can provide an ultra high spectral reuse factor exploiting proximal transmissions. By densifying the network infrastructure equipment, it is highly possible that each user will have one or more dedicated serving base station antennas, introducing the user-centric virtual cell paradigm. However, due to irregular deployment of a large amount of base station antennas, the interference environment becomes rather complex, thus introducing severe interferences among different virtual cells. This paper focuses on the downlink transmission scheme in UDN where a large number of users and base station antennas is uniformly spread over a certain area. An interference graph is first created based on the large-scale fadings to give a potential description of the interference relationship among the virtual cells. Then, base station antennas and users in the virtual cells within the same maximally-connected component are grouped together and merged into one new virtual cell cluster, where users are jointly served via zero-forcing (ZF) beamforming. A multi-virtual-cell minimum mean square error precoding scheme is further proposed to mitigate the inter-cluster interference. Additionally, the interference alignment framework is proposed based on the low complexity virtual cell merging to eliminate the strong interference between different virtual cells. Simulation results show that the proposed interference graph-based virtual cell merging approach can attain the average user spectral efficiency performance of the grouping scheme based on virtual cell overlapping with a smaller virtual cell size and reduced signal processing complexity. Besides, the proposed user-centric transmission scheme greatly outperforms the BS-centric transmission scheme (maximum ratio transmission (MRT)) in terms of both the average user spectral efficiency and edge user spectral efficiency. What is more, interference alignment based on the low complexity virtual cell merging can achieve much better performance than ZF and MRT precoding in terms of average user spectral efficiency.
Non-Asymptotic Confidence Sets for Circular Means
Authors: Hotz Thomas , Kelma Florian , Wieditz Johannes
Published: October 2016

The mean of data on the unit circle is defined as the minimizer of the average squared Euclidean distance to the data. Based on Hoeffding’s mass concentration inequalities, non-asymptotic confidence sets for circular means are constructed which are universal in the sense that they require no distributional assumptions. These are then compared with asymptotic confidence sets in simulations and for a real data set.
The VLBA-BU-BLAZAR Multi-Wavelength Monitoring Program
Authors: Jorstad Svetlana , Marscher Alan
Published: October 2016

We describe a multiwavelength program of monitoring of a sample of bright γ-ray blazars, which the Boston University (BU) group has being carrying out since June 2007. The program includes monthly monitoring with the Very Long Baseline Array at 43 GHz, optical photometric and polarimetric observations, construction and analysis of UV and X-ray light curves obtained with the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) and Swift satellites, and construction and analysis of γ-ray light curves based on data provided by the Large Area Telescope of the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. We present general results about the kinematics of parsec-scale radio jets, as well as the connection between γ-ray outbursts and jet events.
Morbid Obesity in Disasters: Bringing the “Conspicuously Invisible” into Focus
Authors: Gray Lesley , MacDonald Carol
Published: October 2016

It is a frightening reality for some people to be caught up in the midst of a disaster, alone and vulnerable due to their relative size, shape or weight. A literature search failed to find any empirical reports of data specific to body mass index (BMI) in disaster situations. A handful of largely anecdotal reports described situations in which people categorised as morbidly obese were negatively impacted in disasters because of their size and/or weight. While a small number of toolkits and training resources were found, there remains a paucity of research in relation to obesity and emergency planning or disaster risk reduction. This is somewhat surprising, considering the concern about increasing levels of obesity globally. Research is urgently needed to prioritise and address the specific considerations of people with morbid obesity and how communities plan, prepare, respond, and recover from disasters and public health emergencies.
Zika Virus Infection and Microcephaly: Evidence for a Causal Link
Authors: Wang Jin-Na , Ling Feng
Published: October 2016

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus related to the Dengue, yellow fever and West Nile viruses. Since the explosive outbreaks of ZIKV in Latin America in 2015, a sudden increase in the number of microcephaly cases has been observed in infants of women who were pregnant when they contracted the virus. The severity of this condition raises grave concerns, and extensive studies on the possible link between ZIKV infection and microcephaly have been conducted. There is substantial evidence suggesting that there is a causal link between ZIKV and microcephaly, however, future studies are warranted to solidify this association. To summarize the most recent evidence on this issue and provide perspectives for future studies, we reviewed the literature to identify existing evidence of the causal link between ZIKV infection and microcephaly within research related to the epidemics, laboratory diagnosis, and possible mechanisms.
Critical Analysis of the Melanogenic Pathway in Insects and Higher Animals
Authors: Sugumaran Manickam , Barek Hanine
Published: October 2016

Animals synthesize melanin pigments for the coloration of their skin and use it for their protection from harmful solar radiation. Insects use melanins even more ingeniously than mammals and employ them for exoskeletal pigmentation, cuticular hardening, wound healing and innate immune responses. In this review, we discuss the biochemistry of melanogenesis process occurring in higher animals and insects. A special attention is given to number of aspects that are not previously brought to light: (1) the molecular mechanism of dopachrome conversion that leads to the production of two different dihydroxyindoles; (2) the role of catecholamine derivatives other than dopa in melanin production in animals; (3) the critical parts played by various biosynthetic enzymes associated with insect melanogenesis; and (4) the presence of a number of important gaps in both melanogenic and sclerotinogenic pathways. Additionally, importance of the melanogenic process in insect physiology especially in the sclerotization of their exoskeleton, wound healing reactions and innate immune responses is highlighted. The comparative biochemistry of melanization with sclerotization is also discussed.
An Evolutionarily Conserved Network Mediates Development of the zona limitans intrathalamica, a Sonic Hedgehog-Secreting Caudal Forebrain Signaling Center
Authors: Sena Elena , Feistel Kerstin , Durand Béatrice
Published: October 2016

Recent studies revealed new insights into the development of a unique caudal forebrain-signaling center: the zona limitans intrathalamica (zli). The zli is the last brain signaling center to form and the first forebrain compartment to be established. It is the only part of the dorsal neural tube expressing the morphogen Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) whose activity participates in the survival, growth and patterning of neuronal progenitor subpopulations within the thalamic complex. Here, we review the gene regulatory network of transcription factors and cis-regulatory elements that underlies formation of a shh-expressing delimitated domain in the anterior brain. We discuss evidence that this network predates the origin of chordates. We highlight the contribution of Shh, Wnt and Notch signaling to zli development and discuss implications for the fact that the morphogen Shh relies on primary cilia for signal transduction. The network that underlies zli development also contributes to thalamus induction, and to its patterning once the zli has been set up. We present an overview of the brain malformations possibly associated with developmental defects in this gene regulatory network (GRN).
Blue Light Emitting Polyphenylene Dendrimers with Bipolar Charge Transport Moieties
Authors: Zhang Guang , Auer-Berger Manuel , Gehrig Dominik , Blom Paul , Baumgarten Martin , Schollmeyer Dieter , List-Kratochvil E. , Müllen Klaus
Published: October 2016

Two light-emitting polyphenylene dendrimers with both hole and electron transporting moieties were synthesized and characterized. Both molecules exhibited pure blue emission solely from the pyrene core and efficient surface-to-core energy transfers when characterized in a nonpolar environment. In particular, the carbazole- and oxadiazole-functionalized dendrimer (D1) manifested a pure blue emission from the pyrene core without showing intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) in environments with increasing polarity. On the other hand, the triphenylamine- and oxadiazole-functionalized one (D2) displayed notable ICT with dual emission from both the core and an ICT state in highly polar solvents. D1, in a three-layer organic light emitting diode (OLED) by solution processing gave a pure blue emission with Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage 1931 CIE xy = (0.16, 0.12), a peak current efficiency of 0.21 cd/A and a peak luminance of 2700 cd/m2. This represents the first reported pure blue dendrimer emitter with bipolar charge transport and surface-to-core energy transfer in OLEDs.
Seasonal Dynamics of Metabolites in Needles of Taxus wallichiana var. mairei
Authors: Yang Li , Zheng Zan-Sheng , Cheng Fang , Ruan Xiao , Jiang De-An , Pan Cun-De , Wang Qiang
Published: October 2016

Seasonal variations of the phytochemicals contents in needles of T. wallichiana var. mairei due to the effects of growth meteorological parameters were investigated in this study. The needles of T. wallichiana var. mairei were collected from different months and the contents of taxoids (paclitaxel, 10-deacetylbaccatin III (10-DAB), baccatin III, cephalomannine, 10-deacetyltaxol (10-DAT)), flavones (ginkgetin, amentoflavone, quercetin) and polysaccharides were quantified by ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and the resonance light scattering (RIL) method. The content of taxoids gave the highest level of 1.77 ± 0.38 mg·g−1 in January, and the lowest value of 0.61 ± 0.08 mg·g−1 in September. Unlike taxoids, the content of flavonoids was the highest in August. The content of polysaccharides reached peak value of 28.52 ± 0.57 mg·g−1 in September, which was two times higher than the lowest content of 9.39 ± 0.17 mg·g−1 in January. The contents of paclitaxel, 10-DAB, 10-DAT and polysaccharides significantly depended on meteorological parameters. The mean of minimum temperature (R = −0.61) and length of daylight (R = −0.60) were significantly correlated to 10-DAB content, while 10-DAT level showed significant correlation with length of daylight (R = −0.70) and relative humidity (R = 0.70). In addition, temperature had significantly negative effect on the content of paclitaxel and a significantly positive effect on that of polysaccharides. This study enriched the knowledge on the accumulation pattern of metabolites and could help us to determine the collecting time of T. wallichiana var. mairei for medicinal use.
New Vistas on the Anionic Polymerization of Styrene in Non-Polar Solvents by Means of Density Functional Theory
Authors: Morita Hideo , Van Beylen Marcel
Published: October 2016

The elementary processes of anionic styrene polymerization in the gas phase and in cyclohexane were studied using M062X (a recently developed density functional theory (DFT) method) combined with the 6-31+G(d) basis sets, in order to clarify the complicated phenomena caused by the association of the active chain-ends and elucidate the details of the polymerization mechanism. Three types of HSt2Li (a model structure of polystyryllithium chain-ends) were obtained; the well-known first structure in which Li is coordinated to the side chain, the second structure in which Li is coordinated to the phenyl ring, (both without the penultimate unit coordination), and the third structure in which Li is coordinated to both the chain-end unit and the penultimate styrene unit. Although the third HSt2Li is the most stable as expected, the free energy for the transition state of its reaction with styrene is higher than those for the other two transition states due to its steric hindrance. The free energy for the transition state of the reaction of the second HSt2Li with styrene is the lowest, suggesting that the route through it is the predominant reaction path. The penultimate unit effect, slower addition of styrene to HSt2Li than to HStLi, is attributed to coordination of the penultimate styrene units of the polystyryllithium dimer (one of the starting materials) to its Li atoms. The calculated enthalpy for the reaction barrier of the second HSt2Li with styrene in cyclohexane was found to agree with the observed apparent activation energy in benzene.
A 3D CFD Simulation and Analysis of Flow-Induced Forces on Polymer Piezoelectric Sensors in a Chinese Liquors Identification E-Nose
Authors: Gu Yu , Wang Yang-Fu , Li Qiang , Liu Zu-Wu
Published: October 2016

Chinese liquors can be classified according to their flavor types. Accurate identification of Chinese liquor flavors is not always possible through professional sommeliers’ subjective assessment. A novel polymer piezoelectric sensor electric nose (e-nose) can be applied to distinguish Chinese liquors because of its excellent ability in imitating human senses by using sensor arrays and pattern recognition systems. The sensor, based on the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) principle is comprised of a quartz piezoelectric crystal plate sandwiched between two specific gas-sensitive polymer coatings. Chinese liquors are identified by obtaining the resonance frequency value changes of each sensor using the e-nose. However, the QCM principle failed to completely account for a particular phenomenon: we found that the resonance frequency values fluctuated in the stable state. For better understanding the phenomenon, a 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation using the finite volume method is employed to study the influence of the flow-induced forces to the resonance frequency fluctuation of each sensor in the sensor box. A dedicated procedure was developed for modeling the flow of volatile gas from Chinese liquors in a realistic scenario to give reasonably good results with fair accuracy. The flow-induced forces on the sensors are displayed from the perspective of their spatial-temporal and probability density distributions. To evaluate the influence of the fluctuation of the flow-induced forces on each sensor and ensure the serviceability of the e-nose, the standard deviation of resonance frequency value (SDF) and the standard deviation of resultant forces (SDFy) in y-direction (Fy) are compared. Results show that the fluctuations of Fy are bound up with the resonance frequency values fluctuations. To ensure that the sensor's resonance frequency values are steady and only fluctuate slightly, in order to improve the identification accuracy of Chinese liquors using the e-nose, the sensors in the sensor box should be in the proper place, i.e., where the fluctuations of the flow-induced forces is relatively small. This plays a significant reference role in determining the optimum design of the e-nose for accurately identifying Chinese liquors.
Effect of Organic Potato Farming on Human and Environmental Health and Benefits from New Plant Breeding Techniques. Is It Only a Matter of Public Acceptance?
Authors: Pacifico Daniela , Paris Roberta
Published: October 2016

Organic farming practices are commonly thought to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and to preserve the naturalness of the products. Herein, we report the effect of crop management practices on nutritional and toxicological value of potato tubers. Comparative studies are often controversial and the results are dependent on genotype and methodological approach. Targeted analysis and “omics” strategies are discussed, pointing at the nutritional aspects and the corresponding biological and molecular processes involved. Organic farming supporters still do not accept the use of genetic modification to produce new varieties suited for organic agriculture and crop improvement by genetic engineering still sparks hot debate among various scientific and social factions whose major concern is the possible existence of unintended effects both on human and world health. In this context, the advent of “new plant breeding techniques” has reignited the discussion on genetic engineering and on the compatibility of the new technologies with an eco-friendly agriculture. Could cisgenic and genome-edited potatoes be new good options for organic agriculture? We discuss how these approaches can be used to address food security challenges and to overcome specific problems based on the biological characteristics of potato tubers, producing new varieties that can improve farmers’ profit with a lower impact on public opinion. However, political, ethical, and social fears will probably persist much longer, mainly in Italy, historically a fiercely anti-GM country with a European leadership in organic food production and export.
Sustainability and EMAS: Impact of Motivations and Barriers on the Perceived Benefits from the Adoption of Standards
Authors: Álvarez-García José , Del RíoRama María
Published: October 2016

The objective of this paper is to analyze the influence of the sources of motivation that lead companies to adopt a global standard of the Environmental Management System and the barriers found in the process, on the perceived benefits of the implementation and certification of the standard. To achieve the objectives proposed, primary data were collected using a survey questionnaire that was administered to a representative sample of companies certified as EMAS-Eco-Management and Audit Scheme of the Autonomous Community of Galicia (sample of 114 of the 255 companies). An extensive review of the academic literature published on ISO 14001 and EMAS about motivations, barriers and benefits was carried out in order to establish the working hypotheses that are analyzed using structural equation models as the statistical tool. The findings of this study show that the motivations positively affect the benefits derived from implementation, noting that the internal motivations (related to efficiency; improved performance, productivity and profitability) have a stronger influence on the benefits than the external motivations (related to stakeholders’ social pressure). In addition, the motivations also affect the perceived barriers, and these affect the benefits negatively, i.e., the higher the barriers encountered, the lower the perceived benefits. The results obtained allow us to identify important implications for managers, which will help them establish management strategies in the field of environmental management.