bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conceptualization and Research Progress on Web-Based Product Co-Design
Authors: Kang Xin , Kang Jian , Chen Wenyin
Published: August 2020

Web-based stakeholders’ participation in product co-design is an emerging business model for companies. However, research on user’s online involvement in product co-design is limited. In this paper, we investigated the three major interdisciplinary academic databases Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect (data collected in May 2020), with the aim of explaining the meaning, core concepts, historical roots, and research trends of co-design. A total of 39 of the deemed relevant studies were emphatically analyzed, systematically discusses the concept implication and development status of co-design, and the key points of web-based product co-design research, as well as the future research direction.
Foliar Spraying of Tomato Plants with Systemic Insecticides: Effects on Feeding Behavior, Mortality and Oviposition of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and Inoculation Efficiency of Tomato Chlorosis Virus
Authors: Maluta Nathalie Kristine Prado , Lopes João Roberto Spotti , Fiallo-Olivé Elvira , Navas-Castillo Jesús , Lourenção André Luiz
Published: August 2020

Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) is a phloem-limited crinivirus transmitted by whiteflies and seriously affects tomato crops worldwide. As with most vector-borne viral diseases, no cure is available, and the virus is managed primarily by the control of the vector. This study determined the effects of the foliar spraying with the insecticides, acetamiprid, flupyradifurone and cyantraniliprole, on the feeding behavior, mortality, oviposition and transmission efficiency of ToCV by B. tabaci MEAM1 in tomato plants. To evaluate mortality, oviposition and ToCV transmission in greenhouse conditions, viruliferous whiteflies were released on insecticide-treated plants at different time points (3, 24 and 72 h; 7 and 14 days) after spraying. Insect mortality was higher on plants treated with insecticides; however, only cyantraniliprole and flupyradifurone differed from them in all time points. The electrical penetration graph (DC-EPG) technique was used to monitor stylet activities of viruliferous B. tabaci in tomato plants 72 h after insecticide application. Only flupyradifurone affected the stylet activities of B. tabaci, reducing the number and duration of intracellular punctures (pd) and ingestion of phloem sap (E2), a behavior that possibly resulted in the lower percentage of ToCV transmission in this treatment (0–60%) in relation to the control treatment (60–90%) over the periods evaluated. Our results indicate that flupyradifurone may contribute to management of this pest and ToCV in tomato crops.
Body Water-Mediated Conductivity Actualizes the Insect-Control Functions of Electric Fields in Houseflies
Authors: Takikawa Yoshihiro , Takami Takeshi , Kakutani Koji
Published: August 2020

In the present study, the relationship between body water loss and conductivity was examined in adult houseflies (Musca domestica). The events an insect experiences in an electric field are caused by the conductive nature of the insect body (i.e., movement of electricity within or its release from the insect). After houseflies were dehydrated, rehydrated, refrigerated, and frozen and thawed, they were placed in static and dynamic electric fields. Untreated houseflies were deprived of their free electrons to become positively charged and then attracted to the insulated negative pole in the static electric field and were exposed to corona and arc discharge from non-insulated negative pole in the dynamic electric field. There was no current in the bodies of dehydrated and frozen flies; hence, there was no attractive force or discharge exposure. In the remaining insects, the results were identical to those in the untreated control insects. These results indicated that the reduction of body water conductivity inhibited the release of electricity from the body in the static electric field and the discharge-mediated current flow through the body in the dynamic electric field. The insect was affected by the electric fields because of its conductivity mediated by body water.
Toxic, Oviposition Deterrent and Oxidative Stress Effects of Thymus vulgaris Essential Oil against Acanthoscelides obtectus
Authors: Lazarević Jelica , Jevremović Stojan , Kostić Igor , Kostić Miroslav , Vuleta Ana , Manitašević Jovanović Sanja , Šešlija Jovanović Darka
Published: August 2020

The bean weevil Acanthoscelides obtectus Say (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) can cause significant losses in production of its primary host common bean Phaseolus vulgaris L. To avoid bean protection with environmentally risky chemical insecticides and provide sustainable and safe production of food, new pest management methods based on natural compounds are investigated. In the present study, we evaluated protective potential of the essential oil (EO) from the common thyme Thymus vulgaris L. applied on bean seeds. We assessed residual contact toxicity of thyme EO and its effects on A. obtectus longevity, oviposition and adult emergence. Furthermore, to elucidate the role of oxidative stress in thyme EO toxicity, we estimated the levels of oxidatively damaged proteins and lipids, as well as the level of thiols which have important role for antioxidant capacity. We found that thyme oil significantly reduced adult survival and longevity, induced oxidative damage to lipids and proteins and depleted protein and non-protein thiols in a concentration-dependent manner. Females appeared to be more tolerant to thyme oil treatment than males. Sublethal EO concentrations affected oxidative stress indices, deterred oviposition and strongly inhibited adult emergence. The results suggest that thyme oil has the potential to be used as an ecofriendly insecticide for A. obtectus control.
Egg Sterilisation of Irradiated Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Horrocks Kiran Jonathan , Welsh Taylor , Carpenter Jim E , Suckling David Maxwell
Published: August 2020

Nezara viridula Linnaeus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a polyphagous pest of a wide range of economically important crops. Because the control of this species and other pentatomids relies primarily on insecticide application, investigation into the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is warranted. We aimed to investigate the irradiation biology of N. viridula for the potential application of SIT against this pest. Male and female N. viridula were gamma-irradiated at doses between 4 and 28 Gy and mated with both irradiated and nonirradiated conspecifics. Sterility of the resulting eggs followed a dose-response in each case. Irradiated males crossed with untreated females showed higher F1 egg sterility than crosses where the female was irradiated. The greatest F1 egg sterility was observed when both parents were irradiated. There was no obvious dose-response for the longevity of irradiated males, and for the fecundity of nonirradiated females mated with irradiated males. The fecundity of irradiated females appeared to decrease with irradiation dose. These results can be applied to a potential future application of SIT against N. viridula, but predominantly supports the ongoing development of SIT for Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and hemipteran pests in general.
Application of Spatio-Temporal Context and Convolution Neural Network (CNN) in Grooming Behavior of Bactrocera minax (Diptera: Trypetidae) Detection and Statistics
Authors: Zhang Zhiliang , Zhan Wei , He Zhangzhang , Zou Yafeng
Published: August 2020

Statistical analysis and research on insect grooming behavior can find more effective methods for pest control. Traditional manual insect grooming behavior statistical methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and error-prone. Based on computer vision technology, this paper uses spatio-temporal context to extract video features, uses self-built Convolution Neural Network (CNN) to train the detection model, and proposes a simple and effective Bactrocera minax grooming behavior detection method, which automatically detects the grooming behaviors of the flies and analysis results by a computer program. Applying the method training detection model proposed in this paper, the videos of 22 adult flies with a total of 1320 min of grooming behavior were detected and analyzed, and the total detection accuracy was over 95%, the standard error of the accuracy of the behavior detection of each adult flies was less than 3%, and the difference was less than 15% when compared with the results of manual observation. The experimental results show that the method in this paper greatly reduces the time of manual observation and at the same time ensures the accuracy of insect behavior detection and analysis, which proposes a new informatization analysis method for the behavior statistics of Bactrocera minax and also provides a new idea for related insect behavior identification research.
Duan–Rach Approach to Study Al2O3-Ethylene Glycol C2H6O2 Nanofluid Flow Based upon KKL Model
Authors: Pattnaik Pradyumna Kumar , Mishra Satyaranjan , Bhatti Muhammad Mubashir
Published: August 2020

This work explains the cooling capabilities of ethylene glycol (EG)-based nanofluid containing aluminum oxide (Al2O3) as nanoparticles. Because of its enhanced thermophysical properties, Nanofluids are used in many application areas of mechanical and engineering in the form of nanofluid coolants such as electronics and vehicle cooling, transformer, and computer cooling. Depending on the heating and cooling systems, it is also used as an anti-freezing agent, which lowers the freezing point but enhances boiling point and temperature coolant. After using appropriate similarity transformation, the present Koo–Kleinstreuer–Li model for solving the boundary value problem (BVP) is tackled analytically. A comparison is made with a purely analytical approach by a modified version of the semi-analytical Adomian Decomposition Method (ADM), which is introduced by Duan and Rach (Duan–Rach Approach) and shooting technique. Analytical and graphical treatment of the flow regime is carried out, and the behavior of the leading parameters on the velocity, temperature, concentration profile with the behavior of physical quantities i.e., skin friction coefficient, local Nusselt number, and local Sherwood number are illustrated. This study confirms that, due to extraction in width the flow moves away from the lower plate whereas it moves towards near the upper plate and a rapid decrease in temperature is marked when alumina–EG nanofluids are taken into account.
Low Body Weight Increases the Risk of Ischemic Stroke and Major Bleeding in Atrial Fibrillation: The COOL-AF Registry
Authors: Krittayaphong Rungroj , Chichareon Ply , Komoltri Chulalak , Kornbongkotmas Sakaorat , Yindeengam Ahthit , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: August 2020

We aimed to determine if low body weight (LBW) status (<50 kg) is independently associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke and bleeding in Thai patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). (1) Background: It has been unclear whether LBW influence clinical outcome of patients with NVAF. (2) Methods: This prospective multicenter cohort study included patients enrolled in the COOL-AF Registry. The following data were collected: demographic data, medical history, risk factors and comorbid conditions, laboratory and investigation data, and medications. Follow-up data were collected every 6 months. Clinical events during follow-up were confirmed by the adjudication committee. (3) Results: A total of 3367 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 67.2 ± 11.2 years. LBW was present in 338 patients (11.3%). Anticoagulant and antiplatelet was prescribed in 75.3% and 26.2% of patients, respectively. Ischemic stroke, major bleeding, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and death occurred during follow-up in 2.9%, 4.4%, 1.4%, and 7.7% of patients, respectively, during 25.7 months follow-up. LBW was an independent predictor of ischemic stroke, major bleeding, ICH, and death, with a hazard ratio of 2.40, 1.79, 2.37, and 2.65, respectively. (4) Conclusions: LBW was independently associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes in Thai patients with NVAF. This should be carefully considered when balancing the risks and benefits of stroke prevention among patients with different body weights.
Dexmedetomidine: What’s New for Pediatrics? A Narrative Review
Authors: Mahmoud Mohamed , Barbi Egidio , Mason Keira P.
Published: August 2020

Over the past few years, despite the lack of approved pediatric labelling, dexmedetomidine’s (DEX) use has become more prevalent in pediatric clinical practice as well as in research trials. Its respiratory-sparing effects and bioavailability by various routes are only some of the valued features of DEX. In recent years the potential organ-protective effects of DEX, with the possibility for preserving neurocognitive function, has put it in the forefront of clinical and bench research. This comprehensive review focused on the pediatric literature but presents relevant, supporting adult and animal studies in order to detail the recent growing body of literature around the pharmacology, end-organ effects, organ-protective effects, alternative routes of administration, synergetic effects, and clinical applications, with considerations for the future.
Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression: Towards a More Personalized Treatment Approach
Authors: Roet Milaine , Boonstra Jackson , Sahin Erdi , Mulders Anne E.P. , Leentjens Albert F.G. , Jahanshahi Ali
Published: August 2020

Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects approximately 4.4% of the world’s population. One third of MDD patients do not respond to routine psychotherapeutic and pharmacotherapeutic treatment and are said to suffer from treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is increasingly being investigated as a treatment modality for TRD. Although early case studies showed promising results of DBS, open-label trials and placebo-controlled studies have reported inconsistent outcomes. This has raised discussion about the correct interpretation of trial results as well as the criteria for patient selection, the choice of stimulation target, and the optimal stimulation parameters. In this narrative review, we summarize recent studies of the effectiveness of DBS in TRD and address the relation between the targeted brain structures and clinical outcomes. Elaborating upon that, we hypothesize that the effectiveness of DBS in TRD can be increased by a more personalized and symptom-based approach. This may be achieved by using resting-state connectivity mapping for neurophysiological subtyping of TRD, by using individualized tractography to help decisions about stimulation target and electrode placement, and by using a more detailed registration of symptomatic improvements during DBS, for instance by using ‘experience sampling’ methods.
Choroidal Structure after Half-Dose Photodynamic Therapy in Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Alovisi Camilla , Piccolino Felice Cardillo , Nassisi Marco , Eandi Chiara M.
Published: August 2020

The study aims to analyze the changes produced by half-dose photodynamic therapy (HD-PDT) in the choroid of eyes with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) applying the binarization method to spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) and OCT Angiography (OCTA) images. SDOCT and OCTA were performed before, one hour, one week, and one month after HD-PDT. Binarization with a modified Niblack method and analysis by ImageJ were applied. An average ratio between luminal part and total structure was calculated. Twenty-two eyes of 21 patients (20 male and 1 female; mean age 54.8 years) were enrolled. A statistically significant reduction of the central choroidal thickness was observed one week (from 407 µm to 362 µm, p = 0.034) and one month (from 407 µm to 341.5 µm, p = 0.0004) after HD-PDT. The baseline average ratio between luminal part and total structure was 33.4% in SDOCT, and 61.1% in OCTA. These values were 35.3% and 61% one hour, 33.9% and 60.4% one week, and 34.5% and 60.6% one month after HD-PDT, respectively. Overall, PDT seems to produce short-term changes on the luminal component of both choriocapillaris and choroid, which return to baseline status after one month from treatment. However, choroid stays significantly thinner after one month, with both luminal and interstitial components significantly reduced.
Characterization of Mechanical Performance of Composites Fabricated Using Innovative Carbon Fiber Wet Laid Process
Authors: Ghossein Hicham , Hassen Ahmed Arabi , Kim Seokpum , Ault Jesse , Vaidya Uday K.
Published: August 2020

Recent innovation in production of optimized nonwoven wet laid (WL) carbon fiber (CF) mats raised the question of optimal translation of the performance and isotropy into composites formed through these dry preforms. This work explores the mechanical behavior of composites produced from WL-CF mats in conjunction with the microstructure predicted through Object Oriented Finite Element Analysis (OOF). The mats used for the composites were prepared in two dispersion regimes using 25.4 mm long CF. The mixing regimes discussed in the author’s previous work, are identified as Method 1 for the traditional processing regime and Method 2 for the innovative regime that provided optimal nonwoven WL-CF mats. Composite panels from Method 2 mats showed a normalized tensile strength increase of 52% over those from Method 1 panels. Reproducibility analysis of composites made from Method 2 mats demonstrated a standard deviation of 2% in fiber weight content, 2% in tensile modulus and 9% in tensile strength, while composites made from Method 1 mats demonstrated a standard deviation of 5% in fiber weight content, 5% in tensile modulus and 17% in tensile strength. Systematic study of the microstructure and its analysis through OOF confirmed the isotropy translation of mats produced through method 2 to the composites. This study validated the hypothesis that optimal nonwoven mats lead to a well-balanced composite with optimal performance and that non-optimal nonwoven mats do not pack into a well-balanced composite.
Development of Recyclable and High-Performance In Situ Hybrid TLCP/Glass Fiber Composites
Authors: Chen Tianran , Kazerooni Dana , Ju Lin , Okonski David A. , Baird Donald G.
Published: August 2020

By combining the concepts of in situ thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (TLCP) composites and conventional fiber composites, a recyclable and high-performance in situ hybrid polypropylene-based composite was successfully developed. The recycled hybrid composite was prepared by injection molding and grinding processes. Rheological and thermal analyses were utilized to optimize the processing temperature of the injection molding process to reduce the melt viscosity and minimize the degradation of polypropylene. The ideal temperature for blending the hybrid composite was found to be 305 °C. The influence of mechanical recycling on the different combinations of TLCP and glass fiber composites was analyzed. When the weight fraction ratio of TLCP to glass fiber was 2 to 1, the hybrid composite exhibited better processability, improved tensile performance, lower mechanical anisotropy, and greater recyclability compared to the polypropylene reinforced by either glass fiber or TLCP alone.
Human Dental Pulp Tissue during Orthodontic Tooth Movement: An Immunofluorescence Study
Authors: Vermiglio Giovanna , Centofanti Antonio , Matarese Giovanni , Militi Angela , Matarese Marco , Arco Alba , Nicita Fabiana , Cutroneo Giuseppina
Published: August 2020

The orthodontic tooth movement is the last step of several biological processes that take place after the application of external forces. During this process, dental pulp tissue is subjected to structural and protein expression modifications in order to maintain their integrity and functional morphology. The purpose of the present work was to perform an in vivo study, evaluating protein expression modifications in the human dental pulp of patients that have undergone orthodontic tooth movement due to pre-calibrated light force application for 30 days. Dental pulp samples were extracted from molars and premolars of the control group and after 7 and 30 days of treatment; the samples were then processed for immunofluorescence reactions using antibodies against fibronectin, collagen I and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Our results show that, after 7 days of treatment, all tested proteins change their pattern expression and will reset after 30 days. These data demonstrate that the dental pulp does not involve any irreversible iatrogenic alterations, supporting the efficacy and safety of using pre-calibrated force application to induce orthodontic tooth movement in clinical practice.
Detection of HER2 from Haematoxylin-Eosin Slides Through a Cascade of Deep Learning Classifiers via Multi-Instance Learning
Authors: La Barbera David , Polónia António , Roitero Kevin , Conde-Sousa Eduardo , Della Mea Vincenzo
Published: August 2020

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in woman. The correct identification of the HER2 receptor is a matter of major importance when dealing with breast cancer: an over-expression of HER2 is associated with aggressive clinical behaviour; moreover, HER2 targeted therapy results in a significant improvement in the overall survival rate. In this work, we employ a pipeline based on a cascade of deep neural network classifiers and multi-instance learning to detect the presence of HER2 from Haematoxylin–Eosin slides, which partly mimics the pathologist’s behaviour by first recognizing cancer and then evaluating HER2. Our results show that the proposed system presents a good overall effectiveness. Furthermore, the system design is prone to further improvements that can be easily deployed in order to increase the effectiveness score.
Investigating the Performance of Generative Adversarial Networks for Prostate Tissue Detection and Segmentation
Authors: Cem Birbiri Ufuk , Hamidinekoo Azam , Grall Amélie , Malcolm Paul , Zwiggelaar Reyer
Published: August 2020

The manual delineation of region of interest (RoI) in 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate is time-consuming and subjective. Correct identification of prostate tissue is helpful to define a precise RoI to be used in CAD systems in clinical practice during diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy and monitoring the progress of disease. Conditional GAN (cGAN), cycleGAN and U-Net models and their performances were studied for the detection and segmentation of prostate tissue in 3D multi-parametric MRI scans. These models were trained and evaluated on MRI data from 40 patients with biopsy-proven prostate cancer. Due to the limited amount of available training data, three augmentation schemes were proposed to artificially increase the training samples. These models were tested on a clinical dataset annotated for this study and on a public dataset (PROMISE12). The cGAN model outperformed the U-Net and cycleGAN predictions owing to the inclusion of paired image supervision. Based on our quantitative results, cGAN gained a Dice score of 0.78 and 0.75 on the private and the PROMISE12 public datasets, respectively.
An Efficient and Lightweight Illumination Model for Planetary Bodies Including Direct and Diffuse Radiation
Authors: Scharringhausen Marco , Witte Lars
Published: August 2020

We present a numerical illumination model to calculate direct as well as diffuse or Hapke scattered radiation scenarios on arbitrary planetary surfaces. This includes small body surfaces such as main belt asteroids as well as e.g., the lunar surface. The model is based on the ray tracing method. This method is not restricted to spherical or ellipsoidal shapes but digital terrain data of arbitrary spatial resolution can be fed into the model. Solar radiation is the source of direct radiation, wavelength-dependent effects (e.g. albedo) can be accounted for. Mutual illumination of individual bodies in implemented (e.g. in binary or multiple systems) as well as self-illumination (e.g. crater floors by crater walls) by diffuse or Hapke radiation. The model is validated by statistical methods. A χ2 test is utilized to compare simulated images with DAWN images acquired during the survey phase at small body 4 Vesta and to successfully prove its validity.
Relative Density of SLM-Produced Aluminum Alloy Parts: Interpretation of Results
Authors: Arvieu Corinne , Galy Cassiopée , Le Guen Emilie , Lacoste Eric
Published: August 2020

Micrographic image analysis, tomography and the Archimedes method are commonly used to analyze the porosity of Selective Laser Melting (SLM)-produced parts and then to estimate the relative density. This article deals with the limitation of the relative density results to conclude on the quality of a part manufactured by additive manufacturing and focuses on the interpretation of the relative density result. To achieve this aim, two experimental methods are used: the image analysis method, which provides local information on the distribution of porosity, and the Archimedes method, which provides access to global information. To investigate this, two different grades of aluminum alloy, AlSi7Mg0.6 and AM205, were used in this study. The study concludes that an analysis of the metallographic images to calculate the relative density of the part depends on the areas chosen for the analysis. In addition, the results show that the Archimedes method has limitations, particularly related to the choice of reference materials for calculating relative density. It can be observed, for example, that, depending on the experimental conditions, the calculation can lead to relative densities higher than 100%, which is inconsistent. This article shows that it is essential that a result of relative density obtained from Archimedes measurements be supplemented by an indication of the reference density used.
Effects of Fine Sediment on Seagrass Meadows: A Case Study of Zostera muelleri in Pāuatahanui Inlet, New Zealand
Authors: Zabarte-Maeztu Iñigo , Matheson Fleur E. , Manley-Harris Merilyn , Davies-Colley Robert J. , Oliver Megan , Hawes Ian
Published: August 2020

Seagrass meadows are vulnerable to fine sediment (mud) pollution, with impacts usually attributed to reduction in submerged light. Here we tested two non-exclusive hypotheses, that mud particles (<63 µm) impact seagrasses through both (1) the light climate and (2) changes in substrate physico-chemistry. We tested these hypotheses in Pāuatahanui Inlet, New Zealand, by comparing seagrass presence, abundance, and health, together with light climate and substrate physico-chemistry at contrasting habitats where (1) seagrass used to thrive but no longer grows (historical seagrass), (2) seagrass still persists (existing seagrass) and (3) seagrass has been present recently, but not currently (potential seagrass). Historical seagrass substrate had significantly higher mud (35% average), bulk density (1.5 g cm−3), porewater ammonium concentration (65 µM), and a more reduced redox profile (negative redox at only 2 cm soil depth) as well as a lower light availability when submerged compared to other habitats, while total daily light exposure differed little between habitats. This suggests that failure of seagrass to recolonize historical seagrass habitat reflects substrate muddiness and consequent unfavorable rhizosphere conditions. Our results provide evidence for the multi-stressor effects of fine sediment on seagrasses, with substrate suitability for seagrass being detrimentally affected even where light exposure seems sufficient.
Techno-Economic Modelling of Tidal Energy Converter Arrays in the Tacoma Narrows
Authors: Topper Mathew B. R. , Olson Sterling S. , Roberts Jesse D.
Published: August 2020

Hydrokinetic tidal energy converter (TEC) technology is yet to become cost competitive with other renewable energy sources. Understanding the interaction between energy production and the costs incurred harvesting that energy may unlock the economic potential of this technology. Although hydrodynamic simulation of TEC arrays has matured over time, including demonstration of how small and large arrays affect the resource, integration of cost modelling is often limited. The advanced ocean energy array techno-economic modelling tool ‘DTOcean’ enables designers to calculate and improve the levelised cost of energy (LCOE) of an array through parametric simulation of the energy extraction, design of the electrical network, moorings and foundations, and simulation of the installation and lifetime operations and maintenance of the array. This work presents a verification of DTOcean’s ability to simulate the techno-economic performance of TEC arrays by reproducing the hypothetical RM1 reference model, a semi-analytical model of a TEC array based in the Tacoma Narrows of Washington state, U.S.A. It is demonstrated that DTOcean can produce a reasonable estimate to the LCOE predicted by the reference model, giving (in Euro cents per kiloWatt hour) 36.69 ¢/kWh against the reference model’s 34.612 ¢/kWh for 10 TECs, while for 50 TECs, DTOcean calculated 20.34 ¢/kWh compared to 17.34 ¢/kWh for the reference model.
Investigation of the Flow Field of a Ship in Planar Motion Mechanism Tests by the Vortex Identification Method
Authors: Ren Zhen , Wang Jianhua , Wan Decheng
Published: August 2020

Planar motion mechanism (PMM) tests provide a means of obtaining the hydrodynamic derivatives needed to assess ship maneuverability properties. In this paper, the self-developed computational fluid dynamic (CFD) solver based on the open source code platform OpenFOAM, naoe-FOAM-SJTU, associated with the overset grid method is used to simulate the complex viscous flow field of PMM tests for a benchmark model Yupeng Ship. This paper discusses the effect of several parameters such as the drift angle and period on the hydrodynamic performance of the ship and compares the time histories of the predicted forces and moments with experimental data. To investigate the complex viscous flows with a large separation, four vortex identification methods are used to capture the vortex structures. The results show that the forces and moments are in good agreement in static drift and dynamic tests. By comparing the vortex structures, it is found that the third generation vortex identification methods, OmegaR and Liutex, are able to more accurately capture the vortex structures. The paper concludes that the present numerical scheme is reliable and the third generation vortex identification methods are more suitable for displaying the vortex structures in a complex viscous flow field.
Validation of RANS Modelling for Wave Interactions with Sea Dikes on Shallow Foreshores Using a Large-Scale Experimental Dataset
Authors: Gruwez Vincent , Altomare Corrado , Suzuki Tomohiro , Streicher Maximilian , Cappietti Lorenzo , Kortenhaus Andreas , Troch Peter
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations solver, interFoam of OpenFOAM®, is validated for wave interactions with a dike, including a promenade and vertical wall, on a shallow foreshore. Such a coastal defence system is comprised of both an impermeable dike and a beach in front of it, forming the shallow foreshore depth at the dike toe. This case necessitates the simulation of several processes simultaneously: wave propagation, wave breaking over the beach slope, and wave interactions with the sea dike, consisting of wave overtopping, bore interactions on the promenade, and bore impacts on the dike-mounted vertical wall at the end of the promenade (storm wall or building). The validation is done using rare large-scale experimental data. Model performance and pattern statistics are employed to quantify the ability of the numerical model to reproduce the experimental data. In the evaluation method, a repeated test is used to estimate the experimental uncertainty. The solver interFoam is shown to generally have a very good model performance rating. A detailed analysis of the complex processes preceding the impacts on the vertical wall proves that a correct reproduction of the horizontal impact force and pressures is highly dependent on the accuracy of reproducing the bore interactions.
The Future of Anticancer Drugs: A Cytotoxicity Assessment Study of CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots
Authors: Hens Basant , Smothers Jared , Rizvanovic Husref , Patel Rishi , Wu Qihua , Kim Kyoungtae
Published: August 2020

Quantum dots (QDs), including CdSe/ZnS, are nanoparticles emitting various wavelengths of fluorescent light depending on their size. Fluorescence allows them to be exploited for in vivo sensing/imaging of cancer cells. Nevertheless, thorough assessments of the effects of these commonly used QDs on cell stability are essentially required prior to their full applications. To investigate the effects of Cd QDs on the growth of human cervical cancer cells (HeLa), we utilized a growth assay, a reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, an apoptosis assay, and RNA-seq. The growth assay results showed significant proliferation inhibition of HeLa cells by CdSe/ZnS. We revealed that smaller green CdSe/ZnS exerts more toxic effects than slightly larger yellow CdSe/ZnS. There were no significant increases of ROSs under the treatment of Cd QDs, which is consistent with the notion that low concentration of Cd QDs does not cause significant production of ROSs. In addition, we found that Cd QDs induced late apoptosis. RNA-Seq-based transcriptome analysis revealed that the exposure to green Cd QDs significantly upregulated antiapoptotic, antiproliferative, and antitumorigenic functions. The transcriptome profile also noted the downregulation of pro-proliferation, mitochondrial respiratory chain, detoxification, and receptor-mediated endocytosis. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that green CdSe/ZnS can be an alternative anticancer drug. In addition, our transcriptome analysis provides new insights into alteration of physiological state induced by CdSe/ZnS QDs in HeLa cancer cells.
Benefit of Wearing an Activity Tracker in Sarcoidosis
Authors: Drent Marjolein , Elfferich Marjon , Breedveld Ellen , Vries Jolanda De , Strookappe Bert
Published: August 2020

Sarcoidosis causes many disabling symptoms, including fatigue and exercise limitations, which have been shown to improve by physical activity programs. The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of continuous activity monitoring using an electronic activity tracker (AT) on exercise performance and fatigue of sarcoidosis patients, compared to controls (cohort study), and the effect of additional personal coaching (randomized trial) over a period of 3 months. Fifty-four sarcoidosis patients received an AT (Group Ia: 27 with coaching and Group Ib: 27 without). A historical group of sarcoidosis patients (Group II; n = 41) who did not follow a physical activity program served as controls. Exercise performance of patients wearing an AT (Group I) improved compared with controls (Group II), including the 6MWD, % predicted (∆4.4 ± 9.1 versus ∆0.7 ± 5.0, respectively), and fatigue levels decreased (∆−3.9 ± 5.7 versus ∆−1.8 ± 5.3). Patients with coaching (Group Ia) showed greater improvement of exercise capacity over time than patients without coaching (Group Ib) as shown by the Steep Ramp Test results (watts: ∆20.2 ± 33.8 versus ∆5.7 ± 26.4; and SRT, VO2max, % predicted: ∆1.6 ± 2.6 versus ∆0.7 ± 2.3). Sarcoidosis patients wearing an AT achieved improvement of exercise performance and reduction of fatigue. We therefore recommend encouraging sarcoidosis patients to wear an AT to stimulate physical activity and reduce fatigue. The additional benefit of coaching needs to be explored in future studies.
Performance of the Remotely-Derived Products in Monitoring Gross Primary Production across Arid and Semi-Arid Ecosystems in Northwest China
Authors: Gu Qing , Zheng Hui , Yao Li , Wang Min , Ma Mingguo , Wang Xufeng , Tang Xuguang
Published: August 2020

As an important component to quantify the carbon budget, accurate evaluation of terrestrial gross primary production (GPP) is crucial for large-scale applications, especially in dryland ecosystems. Based on the in situ data from six flux sites in northwestern China from 2014 to 2016, this study compares seasonal and interannual dynamics of carbon fluxes between these arid and semi-arid ecosystems and the atmosphere. Meanwhile, the reliability of multiple remotely-derived GPP products in representative drylands was examined, including the Breathing Earth System Simulator (BESS), the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and data derived from the OCO-2 solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (GOSIF). The results indicated that the carbon fluxes had clear seasonal patterns, with all ecosystems functioning as carbon sinks. The maize cropland had the highest GPP with 1183 g C m−2 y−1. Although the net ecosystem carbon exchange (NEE) in the Tamarix spp. ecosystem was the smallest among these flux sites, it reached 208 g C m−2 y−1. Furthermore, distinct advantages of GOSIF GPP (with R2 = 0.85–0.98, and RMSE = 0.87–2.66 g C m−2 d−1) were found with good performance. However, large underestimations in three GPP products existed during the growing seasons, except in grassland ecosystems. The main reasons can be ascribed to the uncertainties in the key model parameters, including the underestimated light use efficiency of the MODIS GPP, the same coarse land cover product for the BESS and MODIS GPP, the coarse gridded meteorological data, and distribution of C3 and C4 plants. Therefore, it still requires more work to accurately quantify the GPP across these dryland ecosystems.
Impact of Mitochondrial DNA Mutations on Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in the Novosibirsk Region
Authors: Kirichenko Tatiana V. , Ryzhkova Anastasia I. , Sinyov Vasily V. , Sazonova Marina D. , Orekhova Varvara A. , Karagodin Vasily P. , Gerasimova Elena V. , Voevoda Mikhail I. , Orekhov Alexander N. , Ragino Yulia I. , Sobenin Igor A. , Sazonova Margarita A.
Published: August 2020

The search for markers of predisposition to atherosclerosis development is very important for early identification of individuals with a high risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of mitochondrial DNA mutations with carotid intima-media thickness and to determine the impact of mitochondrial heteroplasmy measurements in the prognosis of atherosclerosis development. This cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted in 468 subjects from the Novosibirsk region. It was shown that the mean (carotid intima-media thickness) cIMT correlated with the following mtDNA mutations: m.15059G>A (r = 0.159, p = 0.001), m.12315G>A (r = 0.119; p = 0.011), m.5178C>A (r = 0.114, p = 0.014), and m.3256C>T (r = 0.130, p = 0.011); a negative correlation with mtDNA mutations m.14846G>A (r = −0.111, p = 0.042) and m.13513G>A (r = −0.133, p = 0.004) was observed. In the linear regression analysis, the addition of the set of mtDNA mutations to the conventional cardiovascular risk factors increased the ability to predict the cIMT variability from 17 to 27%. Multi-step linear regression analysis revealed the most important predictors of mean cIMT variability: age, systolic blood pressure, blood levels of total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides, as well as the mtDNA mutations m.13513G>A, m.15059G>A, m.12315G>A, and m.3256C>T. Thus, a high predictive value of mtDNA mutations for cIMT variability was demonstrated. The association of mutation m.13513G>A and m.14846G>A with a low value of cIMT, demonstrated in several studies, represents a potential for the development of anti-atherosclerotic gene therapy.
Double Electromagnetically Induced Transparency and Its Slow Light Application Based on a Guided-Mode Resonance Grating Cascade Structure
Authors: Li Guofeng , Yang Junbo , Zhang Zhaojian , Tao Yuyu , Zhou Lingjun , Huang Huimin , Zhang Zhenrong , Han Yunxin
Published: August 2020

In recent years, the achievement of the electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) effect based on the guided-mode resonance (GMR) effect has attracted extensive attention. However, few works have achieved a double EIT-like effect using this method. In this paper, we numerically achieve a double EIT-like effect in a GMR system with a three-layer silicon nitride waveguide grating structure (WGS), using the multi-level atomic system model for theoretical explanation. In terms of slow light performance, the corresponding two delay times reach 22.59 ps and 8.43 ps, respectively. We also investigate the influence of wavelength detuning of different GMR modes on the transparent window and slow light performance. Furthermore, a wide-band flat-top transparent window was also achieved by appropriately adjusting the wavelength detuning between GMR modes. These results indicate that the EIT-like effect in the WGS has potential application prospects in low-loss slow optical devices, optical sensing, and optical communications.
Geometric Non-Linear Analysis of Auxetic Hybrid Laminated Beams Containing CNT Reinforced Composite Materials
Authors: Huang Xu-hao , Yang Jian , Azim Iftikhar , Wang Xing-er , Ren Xin
Published: August 2020

In the current work, a novel hybrid laminate with negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) is developed by considering auxetic laminate which is composed of carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (CNTRC) and fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) materials. The maximum magnitude of out-of-plane NPR is identified in the case of (20 F/20 C/−20 C/20 C) S laminate as well. Meanwhile, a method for the geometric non-linear analysis of hybrid laminated beam with NPR including the non-linear bending, free, and forced vibrations is proposed. The beam deformation is modeled by combining higher-order shear-deformation theory (HSDT) and large deflection theory. Based on a two-step perturbation approach, the asymptotic solutions of the governing equations are obtained to capture the linear and non-linear frequencies and load-deflection curves. Moreover, a two-step perturbation methodology in conjunction with fourth-order Runge–Kutta method is employed to solve the forced-vibration problem. Several key factors, such as CNT distribution, variations in the elastic foundation, and thermal stress, are considered in the exhaustive analysis. Theoretical results for some particular cases are given to examine the geometric non-linearity behavior of hybrid beam with NPR as well as positive Poisson’s ratio (PPR).
Eco-Friendly Pavements Manufactured with Glass Waste: Physical and Mechanical Characterization and Its Applicability in Soil Stabilization
Authors: Más-López M. Isabel , García del Toro Eva M. , Luizaga Patiño Alfredo , García L. Jaime Marco
Published: August 2020

The use of glass waste, which by its nature cannot be recycled, might be a viable alternative in the manufacture of cements and concrete that is also economical and environmentally friendly. This alternative can reduce landfill areas with this inert residue but also limit the use of raw materials employed in the manufacture of cement and concrete and, consequently, contribute to minimize the environmental impact generated by this activity. In this research, the feasibility of using a limestone-type material treated with a binder manufactured with micronized glass powder and basic reagents, in the preparation of a gravel–cement- or soil–cement-type material, was analyzed. For this purpose, the strength, compactability, structural capacity, resistance to the action of water, stiffness and durability of the material obtained were characterized. From the tests that were carried out and the results obtained, it can be concluded that the use of glass powder, with a particle size of 16 μm, is ideal for the production of a gravel–cement- or soil–cement-type material. This material could be used as an environmentally-friendly pavement, especially suitable for peri-urban roads and park roads, where it can be used without coating, or as a base layer or sub-base for road surfaces, with little cracking due to shrinkage.
Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Al-2Fe-xCo Ternary Alloys with High Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Luo Gan , Huang Yujian , Li Chengbo , Huang Zhenghua , Du Jun
Published: August 2020

The microstructures, mechanical properties, and thermal conductivity (TC) of Al-2Fe-xCo (x = 0~0.8) alloys in as-cast, homogeneous annealed, and cool rolled states are systematically studied. Results indicate that appropriate Co modification (x ≤ 0.5) simultaneously improves the thermal and mechanical properties of as-cast Al-2Fe alloys. The improvement of TC is attributed to ameliorating the morphology of primary Al3Fe phases from needles to short rods and fine particles, which decreases the scattering probability of free electrons during the electronic transmission. However, further increasing the Co content (x = 0.8) decreases the TC due to the formation of a coarse plate-like Al2FeCo phase. Besides, the thermal conductivity of annealed Al-2Fe-xCo alloys is higher than that of as-cast alloys because of the elimination of lattice defects and spheroidization of Al3Fe phases. After cool rolling with 80 % deformation, thermal conductivity of alloys slightly increases due to the breaking down of Al2FeCo phases. The rolled Al-2Fe-0.3Co alloy exhibits the highest thermal conductivity, which is about 225 W/(m·K), approximately 11 % higher than the as-cast Al-2Fe sample. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation (EL) of as-cast Al-2Fe-0.5Co (UTS: 138 MPa; EL: 22.0 %) are increased by 35 % and 69 %, respectively, compared with those of unmodified alloy (UTS: 102 MPa; EL: 13.0 %).
An Experimental Study of Dynamic Compression Performance of Self-Compacting Concrete
Authors: Shi Feiting , Cao Peng , Wang Ziyu , Gan Yanan , Zhou Changjun , Liu Ketong
Published: August 2020

To investigate the dynamic performance of self-compacting concrete (SCC), the dynamic uniaxial compression tests at eight different loading strain rates were performed on the ordinary concrete and SCC cubic specimens. Based on the tests, the compression failure patterns and stress–strain curves of both kinds of concrete were obtained. The results show that SCC performs more brittle than ordinary concrete by showing the diagonal crack failure pattern of SCC at a high strain rate. Besides, with the increase of loading strain rate, the peak compressive stress of SCC is slightly lower than that of ordinary concrete, but the increase of elastic modulus is slightly higher than that of ordinary concrete. The peak compressive strains of the two kinds of concrete are discrete under the influence of loading strain rate, thus putting forward the relation equation for the loading strain rate and peak compressive stress increase coefficient of the two kinds of concrete. Besides, based on the theory of elastic–plastic damage and considering the dynamic extension of damage, the dynamic constitutive relation with good applicability between ordinary concrete and SCC was established.
Development of Crystallinity of Triclinic Polymorph of Tricalcium Silicate
Authors: Ravaszová Simona , Dvořák Karel
Published: August 2020

Tricalcium silicate phase is one of the main components of modern Portland cements. One of the major industrial challenges in the field of cement production is mapping the influence of individual clinker minerals and their polymorphs on the properties of industrially produced clinkers. The primary goal of this work is to improve the fundamental knowledge of understanding the process of alite formation and development from a crystallographic point of view. This study focuses on the observation of the crystallization process of triclinic alite during the firing process, which to date has not been thoroughly described. The effects of a wide range of temperatures and sintering periods on crystallinity were assessed on samples fired in platinum crucibles in a laboratory furnace. X-ray analysis—together with calculation of crystallinity using Scherrer’s equation—was used for observing the crystallite size changes of T1 alite polymorph. According to the acquired results, among the most technologically and economically advantageous regimes of production of a high-quality triclinic alite is the temperature of 1450 °C and sintering time of two hours. The most significant changes in the crystallite size occurred within the first hour of sintering for the whole investigated temperature range.