bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Descriptions of Macrolygistopterus subparallelus Pic, 1930 immatures from southeastern Brazil (Coleoptera, Lycidae, Lycinae, Calochromini)
Authors: COSTA CLEIDE , VANIN SERGIO A.
Published: April 2019

Mature larva and pupa of Macrolygistopterus subparallelus Pic are described and compared to known Calochromini im-matures. Larvae were collected alive inside dead trunk in the Atlantic Forest at Estação Biológica de Boracéia, Salesópo-lis, São Paulo, Brazil. They were maintained in laboratory conditions, and the pupal period was 12 days (one observation).The pupa of this genus is described for the first time. This larva differs from known Calochromini larvae mainly because of its almost cylindrical campodeiform body and longer urogomphi.
Two new species of Colubotelson Nicholls, 1944 in Tasmania's Lake Pedder: persistence of Phreatoicidae (Crustacea, Isopoda) in therein
Authors: WILSON GEORGE D. F. , OSBORN A. W. , FORTEATH G. N. R.
Published: April 2019

The Tasmanian lakes Pedder and Edgar were inundated in 1972 to create a reservoir to feed into a hydroelectric powerscheme, despite biologists highlighting the uniqueness of the fauna therein. This fauna included undescribed species ofphreatoicidean isopods, which were noted in several subsequent publications but not formally described. In 2010, the orig-inal beds of these two lakes were revisited and successfully sampled for these isopods as part of a program to assess theconservation status of the unique fauna of this large freshwater body. These two previously reported species of phreatoi-cidean are both new to science, distinct from each other and belong to the genus Colubotelson Nicholls, so we providedescriptions and illustrations of these species to assist their identification by other biologists. The two species are easilyidentified by the shape of the pleotelson and setation of the head, although they are separated by considerably more thantwo hundred specific differences. C. pedderensis sp. nov. was collected only from the now deeply submerged bed of theoriginal Lake Pedder, whereas C. edgarensis sp. nov. may be found more widely in the current extent of Lake Pedder,owing to its appearance in previously collected samples from the original Lake Pedder as well as in the now drowned areaof Lake Edgar. These results bring the known diversity of the family Phreatoicidae in Tasmania to 26 described species,including 16 in the genus Colubotelson. The persistence of phreatoicids in Lake Pedder, despite the extensive changes to its ecosystem, suggests that these two species are more resilient than was suspected.
Morphological variation, polymorphism, and Taxonomy of the Atractus torquatus complex (Serpentes: Dipsadidae)
Authors: PASSOS PAULO , PRUDENTE ANA L. C.
Published: April 2019

The taxonomic status of Atractus torquatus is revised on the basis of concordance between quantitative and qualitativeanalyses of morphological characters (meristic, morphometric, colour pattern, and hemipenis) throughout its geographicaldistribution. We propose the synonymy of Atractus davidhardi, A. janethae, and A. lucilae based on wide overlap of mor-phological characters (qualitative and quantitative). Despite some differences in the frequency of the number of suprala-bials, infralabials and maxillary teeth among A. torquatus populations, we find that these characters exhibit a high levelof polymorphism and therefore cannot unambiguously diagnose Guiana Shield and Amazon Basin populations. Addition-ally, we discuss the polymorphism and geographical variation in A. torquatus and its appropriateness for hypotheses of landscape evolution in Amazonia.
Review of the genus Gatzara Navás, 1915 from China (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae)
Authors: WANG XINLI , AO WEIGUANG , WANG ZHILIANG , WAN XIA
Published: April 2019

Six species of the genus Gatzara Navás, 1915 from China are reviewed. One new species Gatzara nigrivena n. sp. is de-scribed and four new combinations, Gatzara angulineura (Yang, 1987), n. comb., Gatzara decorilla (Yang, 1997), n.comb., Gatzara decorosa (Yang, 1988), n. comb., and Gatzara qiongana (Yang, 2002), n. comb., are proposed and thespecies redescribed. Morphological illustrations, a distribution map, and a key to the species of Gatzara from China are provided.
Two new species of Empis (Diptera: Empididae) from Turkey
Authors: ÇİFTÇİ MUSTAFA CEMAL , HASBENLİ ABDULLAH , CANPOLAT DERYA
Published: April 2019

The Turkish fauna of the genus Empis is poorly known, with only 45 species listed in the literature. Two new species,Empis (Polyblepharis) nabucco Çiftçi sp. nov. and Empis (s.str.) doronicola Çiftçi sp. nov. are described from mountainsof central Turkey. Both sexes are described and compared with related species. Male genitalia, and also mid leg of Empis (s.str.) doronicola Çiftçi sp. nov. are illustrated. Keys to Turkish species of Empis (s.str.) and E. (Polyblepharis) are given.
Penapis larraini Packer, a new species of rophitine bee (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) from a fog oasis in Northern Chile
Authors: PACKER LAURENCE
Published: April 2019

Penapis larraini Packer, sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Halictidae: Rophitinae), is described from Alto Patache, South ofIquique, a fog oasis in the very dry coastal desert region of northern Chile. It is compared to other species of the genus, and its unusual foggy habitat is described.
Description of a new and redescriptions of two known species of Torymus (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) in Taiwan with a key to Taiwanese species
Authors: MATSUO KAZUNORI , YANG MAN–MIAO , TUNG GENE–SHENG , TOKUDA MAKOTO , YUKAWA JUNICHI
Published: April 2019

Torymus flavigastris Matsuo sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) is described as a parasitoid of unidentified gall midges(Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that induce galls on Litsea acuminata (Blume) Kurata (=Actinodaphne acuminata (Blume)Meisner) (Lauraceae), Machilus pseudolongifolia Hayata (Lauraceae), and Eurya chinensis Robert Brown (Theaceae) inTaiwan. This is the first record of Torymidae associated with gall midges on Lauraceae and Theaceae. Redescriptions of T. aiolomorphi and T. orientalis and a key to species of Torymus known in Taiwan are provided.
Hemitaeniochromis brachyrhynchus, a new species of cichlid fish from Lake Malaŵi, with comments on some other supposed members of the genus (Teleostei: Cichlidae)
Authors: OLIVER MICHAEL K.
Published: April 2019

Hemitaeniochromis brachyrhynchus, an anatomically distinctive and apparently rare new cichlid, is described and illus-trated from specimens collected at two widely separated localities within Lake Malaŵi. It is easily distinguished from H.urotaenia, type species of the genus, by its narrow lacrimal bone which is only one-third of the orbit length, a characterthought to be unique not only in Hemitaeniochromis but among all known Lake Malaŵi cichlids. The genus Hemitaenio-chromis Eccles & Trewavas (1989) is redefined to allow provisional inclusion of this new species. Two species placed inProtomelas by Eccles & Trewavas (1989) [P. insignis (Trewavas) and P. spilopterus (Trewavas)] were recently transferredto Hemitaeniochromis by some authors, without much evidence. The generic placement of these controversial taxa, and of several undescribed species known only from underwater photographs, is briefly reconsidered.
A new grenadier of the genus Nezumia (Pisces: Gadiformes: Macrouridae) from southern Japan
Authors: NAKAYAMA NAOHIDE , ENDO HIROMITSU
Published: April 2019

A new grenadier, Nezumia shinoharai, is described based on two specimens collected from the continental slope off thePacific coast of southern Japan, at depths of 627–700 m. The new species is clearly distinguished from all other congenersby the following combination of characters: pelvic fin rays 10; spinules on body scales needlelike, arranged in discreteparallel rows; underside of head almost completely naked with prominent sensory pores; teeth in broad cardiform bandsin both jaws; snout long (31–34% HL), conically pointed, protruding well beyond upper jaw; first dorsal fin uniformlydark with pale distal tip, second spinous ray not extremely elongated (height of first dorsal fin about equal to HL); no dark band encircling trunk.
Revision of the Apocephalus mucronatus group of ant decapitating flies (Diptera: Phoridae)
Authors: BROWN BRIAN V.
Published: April 2019

The species of the New World genus Apocephalus are parasitoids, mostly of ants, and many undescribed species exist. Here, the Apocephalus mucronatus group species are revised, with five new to science described: A. longimanus, A. longimucrus, A. missouriensis, A. setissitergus, and A. weissi. Along with the previously known two species, Apocephalus mucronatus Borgmeier and Apocephalus mesacanthus Brown & Lebrun, these form a well-defined monophyletic group based on the presence of a spinelike protrusion on the oviscape, distinctly sclerotized posterolateral membrane on intersegment 7–8, and other female characters. Life history data are known for only one species, which is a parasitoid of Camponotus carpenter ants.
Reared parasitic wasps attacking hesperiids from Western Ghats (Kerala, India) with description of a new species of Dolichogenidea (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) as a larval parasitoid of Thoressa evershedi (Evans) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)
Authors: GUPTA ANKITA , S KALESH.
Published: April 2019

Eight species of parasitic wasps were bred from various stages of five species of hesperiids viz. Thoressa evershedi (Evans), Pelopidas mathias (Fabricius), Udaspes folus (Cramer), Borbo cinnara (Wallace) and Caltoris sp. inhabiting Western Ghats, Kerala, India. One new species, Dolichogenidea kunhi Gupta & Kalesh, is described and illustrated from Kerala, India, and its relationship with closely allied species is discussed. This new species was bred from parasitized larvae of Thoressa evershedi (Evans) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae). Microgastrinae braconid species, Apanteles javensis Rohwer and Cotesia erionotae (Wilkinson) were bred from parasitized larvae of P. mathias and U. folus respectively. Brachymeria habui Özdikmen (Chalcididae) was recorded from pupae of U. folus. Two hyperparasitoids, Eurytoma manilensis Ashmead (Eurytomidae) & Pediobius foveolatus (Crawford) (Eulophidae) were bred from larvae of B. cinnara. Egg parasitoid, Ooencyrtus papilionis Ashmead (Encyrtidae) and pupal parasitoid Brachymeria lasus (Walker) (Chacididae) was recorded from Caltoris sp. Information on the parasitoid distribution, brief diagnosis of each species with a habitus photograph for easy identification, host association, host caterpillars, caterpillar host plants, and taxonomic comments are provided.
First record and a new species of Neolygus Knight (Heteroptera: Miridae: Mirinae) from Nepal, with a checklist of Old World species of Neolygus
Authors: YASUNAGA TOMOHIDE , DUWAL RAM KESHARI , SCHWARTZ MICHAEL D.
Published: April 2019

The mirine plant bug genus Neolygus Knight is reported from Nepal and North India for the first time, thus representing the first confident distributional record of this genus from the Himalayas. A new species, Neolygus machanensis, is described from Nepal. Two known members, N. bui Lu & Zheng and N. keltoni (Lu & Zheng), newly recognized as occurring in Nepal and/or North India, are diagnosed. Habitus images of live individuals and illustrations of the male genitalia are provided for all treated species. A checklist of the Old World species, and discussion of the systematic position and zoogeography of Neolygus are included. Neolygus partitus (Walker, 1873) [Capsus], N. mjohjangsanicus (Josifov, 1992) [Lygocoris], and Neolygus zebei (Günther, 1997) [Lygocoris] are proposed as new combinations.
A new species of Porta Distant, 1903 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Rhyparochromidae: Ozophorini)
Authors: KONDOROSY ELŐD , VARGA KATINKA , ZSALAKOVICS LÁSZLÓ
Published: April 2019

Porta longirostris sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Rhyparochromidae: Rhyparochrominae: Ozophorini) from Borneo is described and figured. A supplement is given to the key to the species of the genus.
Remarks on Inachoididae Dana, 1851, with the description of a new genus and the resurrection of Stenorhynchinae Dana, 1851, and recognition of the inachid subfamily Podochelinae Neumann, 1878 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Majoidea)
Authors: GUINOT DANIÈLE
Published: April 2019

A new inachoidid genus Paulita n. gen. is established for Paradasygyius tuberculatus (Lemos de Castro, 1949), from thewestern Atlantic. Paulita tuberculata (Lemos de Castro, 1949) n. comb. differs from Paradasygyius depressus (Bell,1835), from the eastern Pacific, the type species and only remaining species of Paradasygyius Garth, 1958, by a numberof characters mainly related to the carapace, thoracic sternum, abdomen, and first gonopod. Paulita n. gen. shares the di-agnostic characters of Inachoididae Dana, 1851, in particular the latero-external parts of pleurites 5–8 that extend beyondeach side of the carapace and are calcified and ornamented like the carapace, resulting in the insertion of the carapace intoa setting gutter. Stenorhynchus Lamarck, 1818, is transferred from Inachidae to Inachoididae, and the subfamily Steno-rhynchinae Dana, 1851, is resurrected. Inachoididae now consists of at least two subfamilies: Inachoidinae Dana, 1851,and Stenorhynchinae, whereas the status of Salaciinae H. Milne Edwards & Lucas, 1842, remains uncertain. The status ofseveral other American genera traditionally included in Inachidae is discussed, leading to the recognition of the followingsubfamilies besides the Inachinae emend.: Podochelinae Neumann, 1878, which is here resurrected, Anomalopodinae Stimpson, 1871, and perhaps also Eucinetopinae Števčić, 2005.
The tadpole of Scinax juncae Nunes & Pombal, 2010 (Anura, Hylidae)
Authors: DE ALMEIDA MERCÊS EDNEI , JUNCÁ FLORA ACUÑA
Published: April 2019

Scinax juncae is a hylid frog inhabiting the forest edge in Atlantic Forest remnants in the southern State of Bahia, Brazil (Nunes & Pombal Jr. 2010). This specie is morphologically similar to Scinax auratus (Wied-Neuwied) and Scinax cretatus Nunes & Pombal Jr. (Nunes & Pombal Jr. 2010, 2011), both of them also inhabit the Atlantic Forest in the Northeast of Brazil. We describe herein the previously unknown tadpole of Scinax juncae and compare it with tadpoles of other species of Scinax ruber species group sensu Faivovich et al. (2005) distributed in the lowlands of the Atlantic Forest (Nunes & Pombal Jr. 2010).
Glyptothorax maceriatus, a new species of sisorid catfish (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes) from north-eastern India
Authors: NG HEOK HEE , _ LALRAMLIANA
Published: April 2019

Glyptothorax maceriatus, new species, is described from the Meghna-Surma River system in Mizoram, northeast India.It differs from most congeners in the Indian subcontinent in having thoracic adhesive apparatus with a narrow elliptic cen-tral depression that is almost enclosed posteriorly by skin ridges. The following combination of characters serve to distin-guish it from congeners in the Indian subcontinent: nasal barbel not reaching anterior orbital margin; interorbital distance27.0–31.4% HL; head length 23.7–25.3% SL; head depth 12.5–14.2 % SL; thoracic adhesive apparatus with narrow el-liptic central depression that is almost enclosed posteriorly by skin ridges (striae) and with single, non-diverging series ofstriae running along its edges; width of adhesive apparatus 55.8–72.1% its length; unculiferous ridges of adhesive appa-ratus not extending anteriorly onto gular region; absence of striae on first pectoraland pelvic-fin elements; pectoral-finlength 20.7–24.9% SL; dorsal-spine length 13.0–17.1% SL; smooth posterior edge of dorsal spine; dorsal-to-adipose dis-tance 17.8–23.6% SL; body depth at anus 11.3–13.8% SL; pelvic-fin length 15.9–19.1 % SL; length of anal-fin base13.9–16.2% SL; caudal peduncle length 21.4–23.9% SL; and caudal peduncle depth 6.4–7.6% SL (3.1–3.4 times in its length).
Resistive Open Fault and Detection Methods for Low Power Nanometric Integrated Circuits
Authors: Yadav Gangaiah C. , Grace Vijula K. S.
Published: April 2019

Resistive open fault represents degradation in conductivity within a circuit interconnection. Due to this manufacturing failure occurs in IC interconnection. Such fault causes performance failures and reliability risk. This paper presents the analysis various detection methods for resistive
open faults. And detectable resistance range versus VDD varies with the test speed also observes. Depending on test speed and small delay faults Multi-VDD is required for detection of ROFs.
An Investigation Study on Clustering and Classification Techniques for Weather Forecasting
Authors: Pooja S. B. , Balan Siva R. V.
Published: April 2019

Weather forecasting is the prediction of atmosphere state for particular location by using principles of physics provided by many statistical and empirical techniques. Weather forecasts are frequently made by collecting quantitative data about current state of atmosphere through scientific
understanding of atmospheric processes to illustrate how atmosphere changes in future. Current weather conditions are collected through the observation from the ground, ships, aircraft, radio sounds and satellites. The information is transmitted to the meteorological centers where the data
are collected and examined for prediction. There are diverse techniques included in weather forecasting, from relatively simple observation of sky to complex computerized mathematical models. But, the existing techniques failed to predict the weather with higher accuracy and lesser time. In
order to improve the prediction performance, the machine learning and ensemble techniques are introduced.
Detection of Breast Cancer Using Machine Learning Support Vector Machine Algorithm
Authors: Soundari D. V. , Padmapriya R. , Thirumariselvi C. , Nanthini N. , Priyadharsini K.
Published: April 2019

A woman majorly suffers due to breast cancer which is due to hormone imbalance. It leads to huge death in recent years. Early detection of the breast cancer is more important to prevent human lives. Image Processing plays an important to classify and detect the same. So this paper proposes
machine learning based cancer classification using support vector machine with Wisconsin breast cancer data set.
Development of Test Automation Framework for REST API Testing
Authors: Venkatraj S. , Vincent Rajiv , Vijayakumar V. , Vengatesan K. , Rajesh M.
Published: April 2019

This work proposes a generalized excel based test automation framework for REST API testing using groovy script. Testing is an important process in software development process, which helps to find unknown errors, failure and bugs in a software application and increases quality of the
software application. With the existing process of testing is manual, where the inputs are given manually and the actual outcome or output is validated for different test case scenarios. This manual testing leads to increase in time and effort of testing, as there will be different scenarios
to be tested in which different test data has to be prepared to test a particular functionality. As the functionalities in an application changes or added up, over the software development phase, there is a need to test the old functionalities after and before, integrating the new or changed
functionality to the existing system. This results in testing the already tested functionalities to test again manually, which increases effort and time for the testing process. The manual testing process has to be automated, so that the testing time, effort and money can be reduced. The test
automation framework is implemented using a groovy compiling tool in which the functionalities such as, read the data from input test data excel file, make a REST API request, validate the data and writing the result to the excel file has been developed. Since groovy is a flavor of java, several
libraries have been imported to implement the test automation framework.
Computational Analysis of Blended Winglet Model Performance by Varying Cant Angle
Authors: Raja Bino Prince D. , Ramanan G. , Samuel Diju G.
Published: April 2019

This work focuses on structural modeling and analysis of aircraft winglet control surfaces. In aerodynamic engineering, reducing drag is an important challenge. To reduce drag a fin device that is placed vertically in the angle set in the wing of the plane. Winglet design reduces fuel
consumption by reducing the drag of the aircraft and will make the aircraft more stable during the flight, will also give the aircraft engine more time to reduce the load on the engine thrust life. The goal is to design and simulate a winglet aircraft model using software such as CATIA V5-which
is used to build fin models and ANSYS CFX solver is used to test and simulate model fins. With winglets without fins it analyzes change the inclination angles, the results are compared and plotted. Fins are an important part of an aircraft that reduces the amount of drag and fuel consumption
by using less energy while reducing wing vortexes.
Overview of Quad Copter and Its Utilitarian
Authors: Aravind Rajeswari , Mathivathani S.
Published: April 2019

The focus of this research is drone which is called as the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle). They include both autonomous drones and remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs). The article highlights on feasibility of drone in various applications and its variable mechanism. Features of drones are
also discussed here. Drones are not to given licenses by several governments since they pose a threat to privacy and also security. Therefore an active surveillance scheme has to be developed to monitor its uncontrolled use.
Public E-Health Network System Using Arduino Controller
Authors: Sujin J.S. , Gandhiraj N. , Selvakumar D. , Kumar Satheesh S.
Published: April 2019

An E-health Multifunctional system is proposed for people in all age category in this work. Simply, the different sensors are fixed on a coat. When the coatis worn by people, the sensors situated in the coat will be get activated. Then it will automatically examine various parameters
about health and the same information send to monitor or website or mobile. This is used for personal and social use. An example is presented with different sensor signals and continuous Real time monitoring the health changes from the home. Sensors are embedded in to the atmosphere, it will
give various changes which is differs from behavior of human biological signals and activity with patterns. Changes in signals are detected to each potential point of changing health. The information from the sensors investigated and it will store and uses this for making a comparison of last
180 days status. A 1-D alert algorithm integrated to the system where the health alerts to nurse or doctor which is already fixed or pre decided. Research work is based on analyze of each alert signals and monitoring the comparative signal on the hospital relevance. This result is used for
a training classes and best medical solutions. The information about health is managed for future purpose using database. A methodology is introduced in this work with 10 sensors that are capable of multisensory signals and data Management of Real-time signals. Information is processed at
various sensor nodes and transfers to the main hub for further processing.
Evaluating the Efficiency of Radial Basis Function Classifier with Different Feature Selection for Identifying Dementia
Authors: Valarmathy S. , Ramani R.
Published: April 2019

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) based classification process for the classification of dementia is presented in this work. The classifier's performance may be enhanced by means of improving the extracted features that are inputted into its classifier. These MRI images are all duly
segmented by making use of the wavelet. For choosing a subset that has optimal features, it may become inflexible and all issues relating to the feature selection will be shown as the NonDeterministic Polynomial (NP)-hard. The work further deals with techniques of optimization that are used
in the case of feature selection for picking an optimal feature set. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) will find an application of a large scale in signal processing. The noise estimation and the source separation are all possible. For this, the Radial Basis Function (RBF) and its classifier
have been optimized to this structure by making use of the Genetic Algorithm (GA)-Artificial Immune System (AIS) algorithm. Such an optimized classifier of the RBF will classify a feature set that is provided by the GA, the AIS and the GA-AIS algorithm of feature selection. A classifier will
be evaluated on the basis of its performance metrics. All classifiers will be evaluated keeping the accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity in making use of an optimized set of features. The results of the experiment have clearly demonstrated the feature selection and its effectiveness to improve
the accuracy of the classification of all the images.
An FPGA-Based Real-Time Human Eye Pupil Detection System Using E2V Smart Camera
Authors: Navaneethan S. , Nandhagopal N. , Nivedita V.
Published: April 2019

Threshold based pupil detection algorithm was found tobe most efficient method to detect human eye. An implementation of a real-time system on an FPGA board to detect and track a human's eye is the main motive to obtain from proposed work. The Pupil detection algorithm involved thresholding
and image filtering. The Pupil location was identified by computing the center value of the detected region. The proposed hardware architecture is designed using Verilog HDL and implemented on aAltera DE2 cyclone II FPGA for prototyping and logic utilizations are compared with Existing work.
The overall setup included Cyclone II FPGA, a E2V camera, SDRAM and a VGA monitor. Experimental results proved the accuracy and effectiveness of the hardware realtime implementation as the algorithm was able to manage various types of input video frame. All calculation was performed in real
time. Although the system can be furthered improved to obtain better results, overall the project was a success as it enabled any inputted eye to be accurately detected and tracked.
Advancement and Design of Robotic Manipulator Control Structures on Cyber Physical Production System
Authors: Vijayakumar S. , Dhasarathan N. , Devabalan P. , Jehan C.
Published: April 2019

Generally, the cyber-physical production system (CPPs) is a device that is meticulous or monitored by computer-based algorithms, firmly integrated with an Internet and its users. This system has carried with it an increasing utilization of robotics in common producing environments.
One of the most important significant guidelines in the development of communication technologies and computer science and information is characterized by Cyber Physical Systems (CPSs) which are structures of collaborating computational articles which are in demanding connection with the adjacent
physical world and its ongoing processes, giving and using, at the same time, data access and data process services accessible on the internet. The methodology to meet this demand is to be democratizing robotics by creating cheaper high customizable robots which can be instigated by small,
medium and high enterprises. To overcome this problem, this research stares at using rapid prototyping methods for the growth of customizable robotic manipulators which can be carried out in the cyber physical production system. This study therefore contributes an approach of scheming connected
and rapid prototype robotic manipulators and this methodology considers both hardware and software development mandatory for executing a robotic manipulator. Besides generative design, an evolutionary and artificial intelligence based approach is used to plan the link components between the
robot joints. This component has been recognized as the ideal to be intended with this approach as its benefits most of the reproductive design approach joined with rapid prototyping. This paper also discovers a robotic manipulator control structures based on Ethernet control skills for implementation
within a Cyber physical production system.
Bitcoin: A Meticulous Analysis
Authors: Rani Sasi Kala K. , Ramya D. , Gokul D. , Sibiya C. , Sreya S.
Published: April 2019

Bitcoin is the worldwide crypto currency and it is the digital payment system known as the decentralized digital currency. All the transactions are recorded in a public ledger known as block chain. It has no central authority or no single administrator. This paper studies about the
technical view of the bitcoin system, the problems faced in the peer-to-peer network, schemes used for improving the quality of transactions, and also the security issues faced by the user while proceeding with these transactions. It includes the major advantages of bitcoin transactions and
its worldwide usage. The other side of bitcoin includes the usage of it in ransom ware attack and in other illegal activities. Finally this paper also comprises why bitcoin is not widely accepted in India.
Molecular Modeling Approach to Investigate the Intercalation of Phthalates and Their Metabolites in DNA Macromolecules
Authors: Rodrigues Tatiane P. , Cruz Jorddy N. , Arouche Tiago S. , Pereira Tais S. S. , Costa Wanessa A. , Silva Sebastião G. , Junior Raul N. C. , Oliveira Mozaniel S. , Neto Antonio M. J. C.
Published: April 2019

Recent studies have reported that phthalates are capable of causing mutations and other changes in the genetic material. This study aimed to investigate the molecular interactions between phthalate di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and its metabolites monobutyl phthalate (MBP) and monoethyl
phthalate (MEP), interacting with DNA. The research was conducted using molecular modeling techniques such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Molecular docking revealed that the DEHP, MBP, and MEP are able to establish hydrogen interactions with various nucleotide bases.
Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that these molecules interacted with the DNA, and the binding free energy results demonstrated that the DNA-ligand interaction has favorable free energy. The values for free binding energy were as follows: DNA–DEHP, –21.66 kcal/mol; DNA–MBP,
–17.29 kcal/mol; and DNA–MEP, –20.13 kcal/mol. For these three systems, the contributions of van der Waals, electrostatic, and nonpolar solvation energy were favorable for the interaction. The van der Waals interactions contributed the major energy to the intercalation of
the binders.
Recent Decadal Changes in Heat Waves over China: Drivers and Mechanisms
Authors: Su Qin , Dong Buwen
Published: April 2019

Observational analysis indicates significant decadal changes in daytime, nighttime, and compound (both daytime and nighttime) heat waves (HWs) over China across the mid-1990s, featuring a rapid increase in frequency, intensity, and spatial extent. The variations of these observed decadal changes are assessed by the comparison between the present day (PD) of 1994–2011 and the early period (EP) of 1964–81. The compound HWs change most remarkably in all three aspects, with frequency averaged over China in the PD tripling that in the EP and intensity and spatial extent nearly doubling. The daytime and nighttime HWs also change significantly in all three aspects. A set of numerical experiments is used to investigate the drivers and physical processes responsible for the decadal changes of the HWs. Results indicate the predominant role of the anthropogenic forcing, including changes in greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations and anthropogenic aerosol (AA) emissions in the HW decadal changes. The GHG changes have dominant impacts on the three types of HWs, while the AA changes make significant influences on daytime HWs. The GHG changes increase the frequency, intensity, and spatial extent of the three types of HWs over China both directly via the strengthened greenhouse effect and indirectly via land–atmosphere and circulation feedbacks in which GHG-change-induced warming in sea surface temperature plays an important role. The AA changes decrease the frequency and intensity of daytime HWs over Southeastern China through mainly aerosol–radiation interaction, but increase the frequency and intensity of daytime HWs over Northeastern China through AA-change-induced surface–atmosphere feedbacks and dynamical changes related to weakened East Asian summer monsoon.
Stochastic Spectral Method for Radar-Based Probabilistic Precipitation Nowcasting
Authors: Pulkkinen Seppo , Chandrasekar V. , Harri Ari-Matti
Published: April 2019

Nowcasts (short-term forecasts) of heavy rainfall causing flash floods are highly valuable in densely populated urban areas. In the Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) project, a high-resolution X-band radar network was deployed in the Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex. The Dynamic and Adaptive Radar Tracking of Storms (DARTS) method was developed as a part of the CASA nowcasting system. In this method, the advection field is determined in the spectral domain using the discrete Fourier transform. DARTS was recently extended to include a filtering scheme for suppressing small-scale precipitation features that have low predictability. Building on the earlier work, Stochastic DARTS (S-DARTS), a probabilistic extension of DARTS, is developed and tested using the CASA DFW radar network. In this method, the nowcasts are stochastically perturbed in order to simulate uncertainties. Two novel features are introduced in S-DARTS. First, the scale filtering and perturbation based on an autoregressive model are done in the spectral domain in order to achieve high computational efficiency. Second, this methodology is extended to modeling the temporal evolution of the advection field. The performance and forecast skill of S-DARTS are evaluated with different precipitation intensity thresholds and ensemble sizes. It is shown that S-DARTS can produce reliable probabilistic nowcasts in the CASA DFW domain with 250-m spatial resolution up to 45 min for lower precipitation intensities (below 2 mm h−1). For higher intensities (above 5 mm h−1), adequate skill can be obtained up to 15 min.
Variational Bias Correction of TAMDAR Temperature Observations in the WRF Data Assimilation System
Authors: Gao Feng , Liu Zhiquan , Ma Juhui , Jacobs Neil A. , Childs Peter P. , Wang Hongli
Published: April 2019

A variational bias correction (VarBC) scheme is developed and tested using regional Weather Research and Forecasting Model Data Assimilation (WRFDA) to correct systematic errors in aircraft-based measurements of temperature produced by the Tropospheric Airborne Meteorological Data Reporting (TAMDAR) system. Various bias models were investigated, using one or all of aircraft height tendency, Mach number, temperature tendency, and the observed temperature as predictors. These variables were expected to account for the representation of some well-known error sources contributing to uncertainties in TAMDAR temperature measurements. The parameters corresponding to these predictors were evolved in the model for a two-week period to generate initial estimates according to each unique aircraft tail number. Sensitivity experiments were then conducted for another one-month period. Finally, a case study using VarBC of a cold front precipitation event is examined. The implementation of VarBC reduces biases in TAMDAR temperature innovations. Even when using a bias model containing a single predictor, such as height tendency or Mach number, the VarBC produces positive impacts on analyses and short-range forecasts of temperature with smaller standard deviations and biases than the control run. Additionally, by employing a multiple-predictor bias model, which describes the statistical relations between innovations and predictors, and uses coefficients to control the evolution of components in the bias model with respect to their reference values, VarBC further reduces the average error of analyses and short-range forecasts with respect to observations. The potential impacts of VarBC on precipitation forecasts were evaluated, and the VarBC is able to indirectly improve the prediction of precipitation location by reducing the forecast error for wind-related synoptic circulation leading to precipitation.
Congenital Nasal Pyriform Aperture Stenosis: Conservative Management
Authors: Collins Benjamin , Powitzky Rosser , Enix Jessica , Digoy G. Paul
Published: April 2019

Objectives

This case series outlines the advantages of using 0.1% intranasal dexamethasone drops (IDD) to treat nasal obstruction in patients with congenital pyriform aperture stenosis (PAS).

Methods

Five consecutive cases of PAS were reviewed.

Results

Three patients were treated with IDD alone, and 2 were treated surgically and had residual postoperative nasal obstruction before IDD. Four patients in follow-up (mean, 1 year) were weaned off the steroid drops with good breathing results. One patient developed iatrogenic Cushing's disease, and another, who was initially treated with surgery, eventually required nasal vestibular stenosis repair in addition to IDD.

Conclusions

This study is the first to review the use of IDD in treating PAS. The potential impact of midnasal stenosis is discussed, and a conservative management algorithm for patients with PAS is presented. Careful surveillance for potential side effects of IDD is recommended, especially in cases that require elevated doses.
Multislice Computed Tomography Overestimates Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Syndrome
Authors: Re Massimo , Gioacchini Federico Maria , Salvolini Ugo , Totaro Anna Maria , Santarelli Andrea , Mallardi Vito , Magliulo Giuseppe
Published: April 2019

Objectives

We assessed the prevalence of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) through examination of ultrahigh-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans of the temporal bone and attempted to verify the correspondence between a radiologic diagnosis of SSCD and clinical signs of SSCD syndrome.

Methods

A prospective study was carried out on 191 consecutive patients who underwent temporal bone ultrahigh-resolution CT scans. Cases that matched the radiologic diagnosis of SSCD were subsequently referred for a comprehensive audiological evaluation that might enable a final diagnosis of SSCD syndrome.

Results

Among the 191 patients, 17 had a radiologic diagnosis of SSCD, which was bilateral in 5 cases, for a total of 22 SSCD cases, with a prevalence rate of 5.8%. In 2 of the 17 patients, the audiological examination revealed signs and symptoms indicative of SSCD syndrome, with a total prevalence rate of 0.5%.

Conclusions

Our data confirm that the radiologic diagnosis of SSCD, performed by mean thin-section CT scans reformatted in the plane of the superior semicircular canal, is not necessarily related to the clinical presentation of SSCD syndrome. Our study also showed a prevalence rate of SSCD syndrome that was similar to the prevalence of SSCD reported from studies of histologic specimens.
Curcumin and Anthocyanin Inhibit Pepsin-Mediated Cell Damage and Carcinogenic Changes in Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Samuels Tina L. , Pearson Amy C. S. , Wells Clive W. , Stoner Gary D. , Johnston Nikki
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is associated with inflammatory and neoplastic airway diseases. Gastric pepsin internalized by airway epithelial cells during reflux contributes to oxidative stress, inflammation, and carcinogenesis. Several plant extracts and compounds inhibit digestive enzymes and inflammatory or neoplastic changes to the esophagus in models of gastroesophageal reflux. This study examined the potential of chemoprotective phytochemicals to inhibit peptic activity and mitigate pepsin-mediated damage of airway epithelial cells.

Methods

Cultured human laryngeal and hypopharyngeal epithelial cells were pretreated with curcumin (10 μmol/L), ecabet sodium (125 μg/mL), and anthocyanin-enriched black-raspberry extract (100 μg/mL) 30 minutes before treatment with pepsin (0.1 mg/mL; 1 hour; pH 7). Controls were treated with media pH 7 or pepsin pH 7 without phytochemicals. Cell damage and proliferative changes were assessed by electron microscopy, cell count, thymidine analog incorporation, and real-time polymerase chain reaction array. Pepsin inhibition was determined by in vitro kinetic assay.

Results

Micromolar concentrations of curcumin, ecabet sodium, and black-raspberry extract inhibited peptic activity and pepsin-induced mitochondrial damage and hyperproliferation. Curcumin abrogated pepsin-mediated depression of tumor suppressor gene expression and altered the subcellular localization of pepsin following endocytosis.

Conclusions

Several phytochemicals inhibit the pepsin-mediated cell damage underlying inflammatory or neoplastic manifestations of LPR. Dietary supplementation or adjunctive therapy with phytochemicals may represent novel preventive or therapeutic strategies for LPR-attributed disease.
Postoperative Nasal Debridement after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Alsaffar Hussain , Sowerby Leigh , Rotenberg Brian W.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Postoperative debridement is a controversial subject in the rhinology literature. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to determine the effect of regular debridement versus no debridement on disease-specific outcomes and patient inconvenience.

Methods

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis who were to undergo basic sinus surgery (antrostomy, ethmoidectomy, and polypectomy) were randomized to either debridement (at postoperative weeks 2 and 4) or no debridement, and their outcomes were assessed at 4 weeks and at 6 months with the Lund-Kennedy Endoscopic Score (LKES), the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test–21 (SNOT-21), a visual analog scale for postoperative pain, and a novel scoring system for postoperative inconvenience (Post-Operative Inconvenience Scale; POIS). All patients were instructed to use high-volume saline rinses twice daily.

Results

At 4 weeks after operation, there was no difference between the groups in regard to LKESs (control group, 2.1 of 20; debridement group, 2.4 of 20; p = 0.59) or SNOT scores (control group, 9.1; debridement group, 8.3; p = 0.47). The visual analog scale pain scores showed significance (control group, 19 mm; debridement group, 38 mm; p = 0.019), as did the POIS scores (control group, 18.3; debridement group, 6.1; p = 0.002). At 6 months after surgery, again no difference was seen between the groups on either LKESs or SNOT scores.

Conclusions

In our patient population, debridement after surgery did not affect disease-specific outcomes.
Does Bone Mineral Density Have an Effect on Hearing Loss in Postmenopausal Patients?
Authors: Özkınrış Mahmut , Karaçavuş Seyhan , Kapusuz Zeliha , Balbaloğlu Özlem , Saydam Levent
Published: April 2019

Objectives

An age-related decline in the bone mineral density (BMD) of the temporal bone, specifically in the segments that house the middle and inner ear, has been suggested as an additional risk factor for sensorineural hearing loss. We evaluated the effect of BMD on hearing loss in postmenopausal patients.

Methods

This study involved 120 postmenopausal women who were referred between May 1, 2012, and September 1, 2012. The age range was 50 to 55 years (mean, 52.7 ± 2.3 years). The subjects were divided into three groups according to the results of BMD measurements. Of these, 30 were control subjects with normal BMD values, 45 had osteopenia, and 45 had osteoporosis. Each subject was tested with low- and high-frequency audiometry by a single experienced investigator under standard audiometric testing conditions. For each set of tests, mean values of air and bone conduction at each frequency and tympanometric values were calculated for the osteopenia, osteoporosis, and control groups.

Results

All three groups were designed to have similar mean ages and roughly equal durations of menopause and body mass indexes. At low frequencies (0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz), the differences in the mean air conduction threshold values among the three groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). At high frequencies (4,6, and 8 kHz), the difference in the mean air conduction threshold values between the osteopenia and control groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), but that in the osteoporosis group was statistically significantly higher than those in the osteopenia and control groups (p < 0.05). At low frequencies (0.5, 1, and 2 kHz), the differences in the mean bone conduction threshold values among the three groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). At 4 kHz, the difference in the mean bone conduction threshold values between the osteopenia and control groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), but that in the osteoporosis group was statistically significantly higher than those in the osteopenia and control groups (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference among the three groups in tympanometric values (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

We conclude that patients with low BMD values should routinely be counseled for an audiological assessment to detect any change in hearing thresholds.
School Resources and Subgroup Performance Gains: What Works for Whom?
Authors: Wu Mei Jiun
Published: April 2019

Using a fixed effects model, a balanced panel data set of 6,922 schools in California from 2004 to 2011 was analyzed to see whether changes in resources would affect subgroup performance at intraschool level. Seven school resources variables previously demonstrated influential to school or subgroup achievement at interschool level were tested for their effects on Academic Performance Index (API) gains of eight subgroups. Teachers’ in-district experience had the strongest positive impacts on API gains for all subgroups, ranging from 3.367 to 8.958 points, and teachers’ total experience had the largest negative impacts on subgroup API, varying between −1.120 and −5.495 points. Increases in teachers’ in-district experience, shares of highly educated and full-time equivalent teachers all offered promising outcomes for improving APIs of disadvantaged subgroups.
U.S. Health Care in the Trump Era: A Data Update
Authors: Himmelstein David U. , Woolhandler Steffie , Fauke Clare
Published: April 2019

We present a summary of recent studies and data regarding the state of health and health care in the United States. Health care remains unaffordable to many Americans, including many with insurance. Health outcomes are stagnating or deteriorating. Police killings disproportionately target minority men. The search for profits from prescription drug companies, medical device firms, and for-profit medical providers places patients at risk. The public Medicare and Medicaid insurance programs, which increasingly subcontract with private managed care insurers, now account for the majority of private insurers’ total business. Insurance firms continue to avoid unprofitable enrollees and impose a mounting bureaucratic burden on medical providers. Meanwhile, recent polls show mounting public support for single-payer national health insurance.
Synergistic effects of mechanical and environmental loading in stress corrosion cracking of glass/polymer composites
Authors: Amini Mohammad , Khavandi Alireza
Published: April 2019

Polymer matrix composites have become one of the most popular advanced materials in various industries due to their outstanding properties, appropriate cost, and various and easy manufacturing methods. Unidirectional glass fiber reinforced polymer composites were investigated in this study for use as insulators in power transmission lines. Synergistic effects of nitric acid exposure, applied tensile stress, and time were examined. Physical and electrical properties of composites including acid/water absorption and current leakage were evaluated. Regarding high voltage tests, a direct correlation was found between the amount of absorbed moisture and the leakage current. Mechanical tests, including tensile, flexural, and compressive strength were performed on glass fiber reinforced polymer composites. The composites were degraded because of the stress corrosion cracking as verified by scanning electron microscopy. Stress corrosion cracking damage affected the composites differently depending on their composition; it was measured by the number of fiber cracks, amount of metallic ion leaching from the fibers, and the reduction in mechanical properties of the composites.