bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrophobic and UV-resistant properties of environmentally friendly nano-ZnO-coated wood
Authors: Wang Yanan , Wu Xiaotong , Wang Yibo , Tian Yongqi , Mu Hongbo , Li Jingkui
Published: August 2020

The combinations of nano-ZnO with wood through simple and efficient physical methods to prepare environmentally friendly and versatile Nano-ZnO-coated Wood have important research and practical implications. In this paper, an environmentally friendly nano-ZnO-coated wood was prepared by physical magnetron sputtering using Pinus sylvestris L. var. mongholica Litv. The micro-characteristics, structure, wettability and colour change of the ZnO-coated wood were characterized and studied. For samples with a sputtering time of more than 3 min, the surface water contact angle exceeded 130° and had good hydrophobic properties. After a 168 h accelerated ultraviolet (UV) ageing test, the total colour difference (ΔE
∗) of the sample with a sputtering time of 75 min (200 °C) was 77% lower than that of the original wood. When the substrate was at 200 °C, the ZnO films deposited on the surface of the wood were evenly and densely arranged, forming almost a continuous film. It could be seen that the deposition of a nano-ZnO film on the surface of wood could significantly improve its hydrophobic properties and anti-UV photochromic properties.
Intraspecific variability of quantity and chemical composition of ethanolic knotwood extracts along the stems of three industrially important softwood species: Abies alba, Picea abies and Pseudotsuga menziesii
Authors: Brennan Maree , Hentges David , Cosgun Sylvain , Dumarcay Stéphane , Colin Francis , Gérardin Christine , Gérardin Philippe
Published: August 2020

Knotwood of softwood species is rich in secondary metabolites, especially lignans. These metabolites can be extracted with organic solvents, and are known to be valuable sources of natural bioactive molecules. Here, we examine the intraspecific variability of the yield and compositions of ethanol extracts from knotwood along the stems of three economically significant softwoods Abies alba, Picea abies and Pseudotsuga menziesii in view of further valorisation. Extractive yields from all three species were higher from knots at the base of the living crown than at the top. Lignans and terpenes were abundant in A. alba and P. abies extracts, and lignans were present in the highest concentrations at the crown base. Secoisolariciresinol and hydroxymatairesinol were the most abundant lignans in A. alba and P. abies, respectively. P. menziesii extract composition was more diverse than those of the other species, containing taxifolin, small amounts of the lignan nortrachelogenin, and smaller amounts of secoisolariciresinol. A cyclitol, D-pinitol, was found in high concentrations in extracts from knots at the very top of the crown, particularly in A. alba and P. menziesii. Lignans, taxifolin and D-pinitol are reported to have anti-tumour properties, and valuable food-supplement markets exist for these compounds suggesting possibilities of further valorisation.
Unexpected metabolic versatility among type II methanotrophs in the Alphaproteobacteria
Authors: Hakobyan Anna , Liesack Werner
Published: August 2020

Aerobic methane-oxidizing bacteria, or methanotrophs, play a crucial role in the global methane cycle. Their methane oxidation activity in various environmental settings has a great mitigation effect on global climate change. Alphaproteobacterial methanotrophs were among the first to be taxonomically characterized, nowadays unified in the Methylocystaceae and Beijerinckiaceae families. Originally thought to have an obligate growth requirement for methane and related one-carbon compounds as a source of carbon and energy, it was later shown that various alphaproteobacterial methanotrophs are facultative, able to grow on multi-carbon compounds such as acetate. Most recently, we expanded our knowledge of the metabolic versatility of alphaproteobacterial methanotrophs. We showed that Methylocystis sp. strain SC2 has the capacity for mixotrophic growth on H2 and CH4. This mini-review will summarize the change in perception from the long-held paradigm of obligate methanotrophy to today’s recognition of alphaproteobacterial methanotrophs as having both facultative and mixotrophic capabilities.
Apoptosis inducing factor and mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenases: redox-controlled gear boxes to switch between mitochondrial biogenesis and cell death
Authors: Herrmann Johannes M. , Riemer Jan
Published: August 2020

The mitochondrial complex I serves as entry point for NADH into the electron transport chain. In animals, fungi and plants, additional NADH dehydrogenases carry out the same electron transfer reaction, however they do not pump protons. The apoptosis inducing factor (AIF, AIFM1 in humans) is a famous member of this group as it was the first pro-apoptotic protein identified that can induce caspase-independent cell death. Recent studies on AIFM1 and the NADH dehydrogenase Nde1 of baker’s yeast revealed two independent and experimentally separable activities of this class of enzymes: On the one hand, these proteins promote the functionality of mitochondrial respiration in different ways: They channel electrons into the respiratory chain and, at least in animals, promote the import of Mia40 (named MIA40 or CHCHD4 in humans) and the assembly of complex I. On the other hand, they can give rise to pro-apoptotic fragments that are released from the mitochondria to trigger cell death. Here we propose that AIFM1 and Nde1 serve as conserved redox switches which measure metabolic conditions on the mitochondrial surface and translate it into a binary life/death decision. This function is conserved among eukaryotic cells and apparently used to purge metabolically compromised cells from populations.
Discontent as motivation: Why people engage with the democratic process
Authors: Praprotnik Katrin , Perlot Flooh
Published: August 2020

Despite the rich variety of entertainment in Western European countries, some people choose to spend their limited spare time participating in the democratic process. They not only go to the polls at election time, but also sign political petitions, take part in legal demonstrations, contact politicians and participate online. These people’s actions are relevant to their democratic systems so this paper aims to provide a better understanding of their participation. We present new evidence from a large-scale survey in Austria. In our analysis, we examine a new concept of feeling discontented, we focus on individuals’ perceptions of how society is developing in relation their own situation, and argue that these judgements drive their participation. We find that a feeling of discontent has a positive effect on participation, as do internal efficacy and social capital. However, discontented people with high levels of external efficacy tend to participate less.
“Murdered Mozarts.” narrative of a previous malian student generation in the era of the crumbling state
Authors: Steuer Noemi
Published: August 2020

After the coup d’état in 2012, the Malian state experienced progressive decomposition in terms of loss of territorial integrity as well as in the functioning of its institutions. Against this backdrop, this article examines life histories of a former student generation whose members were actively involved in the protest movement of 1980. At the time they fought for student rights and democratization under a military junta, but were not able to induce the desired change. Today they portray themselves as committed patriots for whom the state serves as an ongoing point of reference in their identity constructions. Bringing together higher education, protest movement and state decline, I argue that their narratives not only reveal how damaged identities and political visions are narratively repaired, but also, on a symbolic level, their damaged country as well.
appRaiseVR – An Evaluation Framework for Immersive Experiences
Authors: Wienrich Carolin , Gramlich Johanna
Published: August 2020

Objective. VR is evolving into everyday technology. For all diverse application areas, it is essential to understand the user’s condition to ensure a safe, pleasant, and meaningful VR experience. However, VR experience evaluation is still in its infancy. The present paper takes up this research desideratum by conflating diverse expertise and learnings about experience evaluation in general and VR experiences in particular into a systematic evaluation framework (appRaiseVR).

Method. To capture diverse expertise, we conducted two focus groups (bottom-up approach) with experts working in different fields of experience evaluation (e. g., Movie Experience, Theatre Experiences). First, we clustered the results of both focus groups. Then, we conflated those results and the learnings about experience evaluation stemming from the field of user experience into the final framework (top-down approach).

Results. The framework includes five steps providing high-level guidance through the VR evaluation process. The first three steps support the definition of the experience and evaluation conditions (setting, level, plausibility). The last two steps guide the selection to find an appropriate time course and tools of measure.

Conclusion. appRaiseVR offers high-level guidance for evaluators with different expertise and contexts. Finally, establishing similar evaluation procedures might contribute to safe, pleasant, and meaningful VR experiences.
Hydrodynamics of a modified up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor treating organic fraction of municipal solids waste
Authors: Vian José , Vigueras-Carmona Sergio E. , Velasco-Perez Alejandra , Sánchez-Sánchez Kelvyn B. , Puebla Hector
Published: August 2020

The hydrodynamic of modified up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) treating organic fraction of municipal solids wastes (OFMSW) was investigated using tracer test experiments and residence time distribution (RTD) based models. The modified UASB digester employing the up-flow reactor concept was composed of the sludge bed, localized at the bottom of the reactor, a buffer zone above the sludge bed, a section with the OFMSW, and an upper section with a solid–liquid–gas separator. The solid-state section with the OFMSW allows the separation of hydrolytic and methanogenic phases, reducing the acidification of the reactor. The hydraulic flow transports the faster biodegradable fraction from the packing section to the sludge bed, favoring the methane productivity. Residence time distribution curves were analyzed by three tracer test models (axial dispersion model ADM, tanks in series model TIS and a multiple parameter model MPM). The MPM was successfully fitted to the experimental data.
A biotechnological process for obtaining citric acid through paper cellulose aerobic bioreaction
Authors: Guzmán Gil Raymundo , Solís Correa Hugo , Contreras Larios José L. , González-Brambila Margarita M.
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study was to develop a biotechnological process to produce citric acid using paper residues from Urban Solid Waste (USW), like raw material. The selected microorganism to transform degraded cellulose from paper to produce citric acid was Aspergillus niger. The aerobic bioreaction was carried out in a heterogeneous bioreactor. The efficiency of the biotransformation in this study was measured under different operating conditions: 2 and 3 pH levels, 30 and 40 °C temperatures, and high and low concentrations of trace elements: Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn). In optimized operation conditions from 20 g of waste paper the maximum citric acid amount obtained was 5.73 g l−1.
Simulation and optimization of CSTR reactor of a biodiesel plant by various plant sources using Aspen Plus
Authors: Rabelo Silva Gisele Cristina , Caño de Andrade Maria Helena
Published: August 2020

In the present paper, an integrated continuous process of biodiesel manufacturing is proposed using Aspen Plus simulator for different feedstocks. Majority of the reported simulation models in literature are design models for new processes by fixing some level of equipment performance such as the conversion in reactor. Most models assume the feed oil as pure triglycerides or some fatty acids and the biofuel as pure ester. In order to optimize the production of biodiesel, similarity with reality is necessary. For this purpose, this work uses thermophysical property estimation of glycerides, rigorous reaction kinetics, phase equilibrium for separation and purification units, and prediction of essential biodiesel fuel qualities. Detailed operating conditions, equipment designs, and properties of feed and products were obtained. The reactions and parameters kinetics were applied to represent both methanolic and ethanolic transesterification of the biodiesel production. An evaluation of optimal operating conditions (time, temperature, alcohol: oil ratio) for a CSTR reactor was determined. The optimal conversion was achieved at a temperature of 60 °C, 6.00 mol/mol alcohol-oil ratio and 2.0 h residence time when used methanol transesterification reaction as 88.19, 93.77, 89.43, and 89.25%, respectively for sunflower, soybean, palm and macauba oil, on the other hand 86.09, 80.26, 76.54, and 76.39% for transesterification ethanolic. Most of the biodiesel obtained from the simulations presented adequate according to the specifications of the D6751, ANP 45, and EN 14214 standards. Finally, the model proposed can be used for improving operations conditions, new products design and help economic analysis in continuous processes of biodiesel production.
Research on influence of split conductor induced voltage on TRV
Authors: He Baina , Jiang Renzhuo , Zhang Jingru , Wang Zhenzhen , Wang Lemiao , Nair Nirmal-Kumar C. , Xie Yadi
Published: August 2020

Based on the background of Huainan–Wannan UHV AC double circuit transmission line, the mechanism of the transient recovery voltage (TRV) is analyzed in the case of a wire of split conductor failure. The simulation model is established to simulate the TRV of the circuit breaker when the multiple split conductors are in different positions, and the influence of the induced voltage on the TRV is also considered. The simulation results show that the more the number of fault split conductors is, the more serious the TRV is, and the peak and rate of rise of TRV are increased due to the induced voltage. Therefore, it is very important to consider the coupling effect on the transient characteristics of circuit breakers in practical engineering.
Investigation of lamb fat quality attributes during deodorization
Authors: Doosti Asiye , Jafarinaeimi Kazem , Balvardi Mohammad , Mortezapour Hamid
Published: August 2020

Edible lamb fat is an illustrious frying fat due to its good flavor and stability to oxidation. Fat deodorization is a vacuum–steam distillation process that is accomplished for removing the unwanted components such as free fatty acids and volatile compounds. The present work has studied the kinetics of lamb fat deodorization under different temperatures in a batch deodorization system. Variations of acid value (AV), peroxide value, p-Anisidine value, TOTOX value and total color difference were measured during the deodorization process. The Logarithmic, Wang and Singh, Hénon et al., and linear models were fitted with obtained data using nonlinear regression method. Results indicated that the Logarithmic and Henon et al. models gave the best fitness respectively with AV and p-Anisidine value, based on the statistical criteria of correlation coefficient (R
2), reduced chi-square (χ
2) and root mean square error (RMSE). Furthermore, the linear model was selected as the best model to describe the variations of TOTOX value and peroxide value during the deodorization process.
On the behaviors of rough multilinear fractional integral and multi-sublinear fractional maximal operators both on productLpand weightedLpspaces
Authors: Gürbüz Ferit
Published: August 2020

The aim of this paper is to get the productLp${L}^{p}$-estimates, weighted estimates and two-weighted estimates for rough multilinear fractional integral operators and rough multi-sublinear fractional maximal operators, respectively. The author also studies two-weighted weak type estimate on productLp(ℝn)${L}^{p}\left({\mathrm{\mathbb{R}}}^{n}\right)$for rough multi-sublinear fractional maximal operators. In fact, this article is the rough kernel versions of [C. E. Kenig and E. M. Stein, “Multilinear estimates and fractional integration,”Math. Res. Lett., vol. 6, pp. 1–15, 1999, Y. Shi and X. X. Tao, “WeightedLp${L}_{p}$boundedness for multilinear fractional integral on product spaces,”Anal. Theory Appl., vol. 24, no. 3, pp. 280–291, 2008]'s results.
The barotropic Rossby waves with topography on the earth’sδ-surface
Authors: Song Jian , Liu ShaoXia
Published: August 2020

The Rossby solitary waves in the barotropic vorticity model which contains the topography on the earth’sδ-surface is investigated. First, applying scale analysis method, obtained the generalized quasi-geostrophic potential vorticity equation (QGPVE). Using The Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) theory, the evolution equation of Rossby waves is the variable-coefficient Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation for the barotropic atmospheric model. In order to study the Rossby waves structural change to exist in some basic flow and topography on theδ-surface approximation, the variable coefficient of KdV equation must be explicitly, Chebyshev polynomials is used to solve a Sturm-Liouville-type eigenvalue problem and the eigenvalue Rossby waves, these solutions show that the parameterδusually plays the stable part in Rossby waves and slow down the growing or decaying of Rossby waves with the parameterβ.
Public History in Egypt: The Power of Public History in Protecting Cultural Heritage
Authors: Abd el Salam Heba
Published: August 2020

Public history is a significant field of education that teaches people about their past. However, it still does not exist in countries like Egypt, which is in great need of the field to link Egyptians with their history. This article discusses the current situation in Egypt regarding public history and why it should be introduced to Egyptians. In addition, suggestions are made on how to present the field to Egyptians academically and publicly.
Protective effects of Vitex pseudo-negundo leaves on diabetic-induced nephropathy in rats
Authors: Rezaei Seresht Hasan , Mansouri Esrafil , Daei Milani Mahsa , Vahidiyanfar Bahareh , Ramezanpour Shahi Arash , Namazi Mohammad Javad , Moallaei Hossein , Latifnia Maryam , Fattahi Abdizadeh Mojtaba
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The belief of therapeutic effects of herbal remedies in diseases such as diabetes is rooted in medical history. The present study evaluated protective efficacy of the hydroalcoholic extract of Vitex pseudo-negundo leaves (VLHE) on the renal disorders in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

Fifty Wistar male rats were recruited and divided into five groups of 10, including healthy controls and diabetic controls: three diabetic groups of which first group was treated with glibenclamide, and two groups treated with 250 and 500 mg/kg of VLHE, respectively, for six weeks. Renal biochemical tests and tissue histopathological evaluation were performed and the antioxidant status was examined.

Results

There were significant decreases in superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and increases in malondialdehyde levels in renal tissue of diabetic groups compared with healthy controls. In the VLHE-treated rats, fasting blood sugar, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were declined, serum albumin elevated, kidney weight lowered, lipid peroxidation and reinforcement of the activities of antioxidant enzymes decreased compared with healthy groups. Histological assessments revealed that the vacuolar degeneration of tubules and shrinkage of glomeruli in VLHE-treated rats was decreased compared with diabetic rats.

Conclusions

The study suggested that administrating of VLHE in nephropathic rats ameliorated the disease by reduction of oxidative stress and increase in renal antioxidant enzyme activities.
Phytochemical profile and pharmacological properties of Trifolium repens
Authors: Ahmad Sultan , Zeb Alam
Published: August 2020

Trifolium repens belongs to the family Leguminosae and has been used for therapeutic purposes as traditional medicine. The plant is widely used as fodder and leafy vegetables for human uses. However, there is a lack of a detailed review of its phytochemical profile and pharmacological properties. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical profile and biological properties of T. repens. The plant is used as antioxidants and cholinesterase inhibitors and for anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic, antirheumatic ache, and antimicrobial purposes. This review has summarized the available updated useful information about the different bioactive compounds such as simple phenols, phenolic acids, flavones, flavonols, isoflavones, pterocarpans, cyanogenic glucosides, saponins, and condensed tannins present in T. repens. The pharmacological roles of these secondary metabolites present in T. repens have been presented. It has been revealed that T. repens contain important phytochemicals, which is the potential source of health-beneficial bioactive components for food and nutraceuticals industries.
Leaf and root bark extracts of Ziziphus abyssinica Hochst ex. A. Rich (Rhamnaceae) ameliorate hepatic, renal and splenic injuries induced by phenylhydrazine in rats
Authors: Henneh Isaac T. , Owusu Agyei Phyllis E. , Obese Ernest , Biney Robert P. , Antwi-Adjei Meshack , Yahaya Ewura S. , Asiamah Ernest , Acquah-Mills Joseph , Boateng Douglas O. , Ekor Martins
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Ziziphus abyssinica (ZA) is employed in managing several ailments in Traditional African Medicine. Scientific evaluations are necessary to ascertain the medicinal potential of ZA as a source of new drug molecules. This study investigated the possible therapeutic benefit of ZA leaf (ZAL) and root bark (ZARB) extracts in an experimental model of multi-organ injuries induced by phenylhydrazine (PHZ).

Methods

Hyperbilirubinaemia, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and splenic injuries were induced by pretreating albino rats with PHZ (40 mg/kg, p.o.) for two alternate days. Afterward, six out of the eight groups of rats (n = 5) used were treated with either ZAL or ZARB (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for seven days. Naïve control rats received saline without PHZ whereas negative control group received saline after PHZ. After one week of treatment, rats were sacrificed and blood collected for assessment of haematological and biochemical parameters. Liver, kidney and spleen sections were processed for histology and examined under light microscope.

Results

Data indicate that PHZ significantly (p < 0.05) increased total bilirubin, serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and BUN/creatinine ratio whereas red blood cell count was significantly reduced. These anomalies were significantly reversed in rats treated with ZAL or ZARB. The therapeutic effect of the extracts was supported by photomicrographs of the liver, kidney, and spleen of rats which revealed recovery from PHZ-mediated pyknosis, glomerular degeneration and multiple splenic necrosis respectively.

Conclusions

Overall, data from this study suggest that ZA may be useful in multiple organ injuries associated with PHZ-like xenobiotic toxicity.
Social Rules in Libertarian Thought
Authors: Van Schoelandt Chad
Published: August 2020

Libertarianism upholds individual liberty as of primary political importance. The concern for liberty leads to support for highly limited government, and sometimes even anarchism. Sometimes people come under the mistaken impression that libertarians have such a myopic concern for individual liberty that they must oppose social rules and social order. While that is too extreme, libertarianism does seem to have significant tensions with social rules, and the role of social rules within libertarianism is complex and contentious. This work aims to bring out some of this complexity and to clarify the important place of social rules in libertarian thought.
Invariable generation and wreath products
Authors: Cox Charles Garnet
Published: August 2020

Invariable generation is a topic that has predominantly been studied for finite groups.
In 2014, Kantor, Lubotzky and Shalev produced extensive tools for investigating invariable generation for infinite groups.
Since their paper, various authors have investigated the property for particular infinite groups or families of infinite groups.
A group is invariably generated by a subset S if replacing each element of S with any of its conjugates still results in a generating set for G.
In this paper, we investigate how this property behaves with respect to wreath products.
Our main work is to deal with the case where the base of

G

≀
X

H

{G\wr_{X}H}

is not invariably generated.
We see both positive and negative results here depending on H and its action on X.
The main decomposition of finite-dimensional protori
Authors: Lewis Wayne , Loth Peter , Mader Adolf
Published: August 2020

A protorus is a compact connected abelian group of finite dimension.
We use a result on finite-rank torsion-free abelian groups and Pontryagin duality to considerably generalize a well-known factorization of a finite-dimensional protorus into a product of a torus and a torus free complementary factor.
We also classify direct products of protori of dimension 1 by means of canonical “type” subgroups.
In addition, we produce the duals of some fundamental theorems of discrete abelian groups.
Space-time finite element method for determination of a source in parabolic equations from boundary observations
Authors: Thanh Phan Xuan
Published: August 2020

A novel inverse source problem concerning the determination of a term in the right-hand side of parabolic equations from boundary observation is investigated.
The observation is given by an imprecise Dirichlet data on some part of the boundary.
The unknown heat source is sought as a function depending on both space and time variables with an a priori information.
The problem is reformulated as an optimal control problem with a Tikhonov regularization term.
The gradient of the functional is derived via an adjoint problem.
The space-time discretization approach is employed which allows the use of general space-time finite elements.
The convergence of the approach is proved.
Some numerical examples are presented for showing the efficiency of the approach.
Selection of suitable wavelengths for the dual-wavelength model of free space optics (FSO) systems for high-speed trains
Authors: kaur Abhijot , Sharma Neeraj , Singh Jatinder
Published: August 2020

Free space optics (FSO) can be used as an alternative to the currently used wireless radio communication systems to meet the increasing demands for the uninterrupted internet connection in High-Speed Trains (HSTs). FSO is less prone to interference, license-free and more secure as compared to Radio Frequency (RF) technology. In this paper, we have compared three different wavelengths (850, 1330, and 1550 nm) for the dual-wavelength model at a bit rate of 10 Gb/s to see which two wavelengths provide better results. The system is studied for return to zero (RZ) and non-return to zero (NRZ) modulation formats this electronic document is a “live” template and already defines the components of your paper [title, text, heads, etc.] in its style sheet.
Four bits data sequence generators based ytterbium doped fiber amplifiers for upgrading maximum Q factor and minimum BER
Authors: Alatwi Aadel M. , Zaki Rashed Ahmed Nabih , Amiri IS
Published: August 2020

We have simulated four bits data sequence generators based ytterbium-doped fiber amplifiers for upgrading max. Q factor and min. BER. Optical power variations against time duration after fiber cable length of 250 km with the bits sequence generators of 0101, 1000, and 1010 respectively are simulated. As well as the electrical power/total received power variations against frequency after photodetector receiver with the bits sequence generators of 0101, 1000, and 1010 respectively are discussed in details. Moreover, the signal power amplitude level with the time period duration after photodetector receiver/3R regenerator with the bits sequence generators of 0101, 1000, and 1010 respectively are clarified to show the max. Q factor and min. BER values for each case.
Radio-over-fiber front-haul link design using optisystem
Authors: Qureshi Khurram Karim , Qureshi Abdul Rehman , Magam Musab G , Jamal Laiq
Published: August 2020

Radio over Fiber (RoF) is a technology that inherits both from optical and wireless technologies in order to send radio frequency signals over a fiber architecture. RoF technologies are mainly utilized in the front-haul link of telecommunications architecture, where the base stations communicate with the central station. This is conventionally done either through microwave signals or copper cables. In this paper, we have designed and evaluated a full-duplex link between four base stations and a central station. The error performance of the system is evaluated in terms of eye-diagrams and Q-factor using Optisystem. The system is found to perform reasonably well up to a link length of 90 km for 5 Gbps data transmission with a Q factor of 30.8.
Analysis of hybrid integrated-alternate mark inversion (I-AMI) modulation and symmetrical-symmetrical-post (SSP) dispersion compensation technique in single-tone radio over fiber (RoF) system
Authors: Kathpal Namita , Garg Amit Kumar
Published: August 2020

This paper presents the high capacity single-tone Radio over Fiber (RoF) system utilizing advanced modulation technique in conjunction with optimized dispersion compensation scheme to support the high data rate transmission upto 120 Gbps. The proposed system incorporates the Integrated-Alternate Mark Inversion (I-AMI) modulation and Symmetrical-Symmetrical-Post (SSP) compensation technique to enhance the spectral efficiency as well as to reduce the chromatic dispersion effects in long-haul RoF link. The proposed system i.e., I-AMI with SSP has been examined at 60, 80, 100 and 120 Gbps bit rate for various transmission distance. The simulation results obtained in terms of Q-factor, Bit Error Rate (BER) and eye diagram reveal that the proposed system provides wider eye-opening, low BER and high Q-factor as compared to the existing system. The proposed I-AMI with SSP provides the Q-factor of 30.47 whereas the I-AMI with PSP and AMI with SSP provides the Q-factor of 18.77 and 18.40 respectively at 80 Gbps bit rate over a transmission distance of 800 km.
Total gain of InTlAsSb quantum dot structures
Authors: Al-Shatravi Ali Gehad , Al-Nashy Baqer Obeid , Al-Khursan Amin Habbeb
Published: August 2020

This work studies the total gain of the InTlAsSb quantum dot structure, which is not studied earlier. Adding thallium to structures makes it emit at larger wavelengths. The nonlinear effect of the injected signal power is examined for three quaternary thallium structures: In0.85Tl0.15AsSb, In0.93Tl0.07AsSb and In0.97Tl0.03AsSb. The gain peak was increased by four times and the wavelength was shifted to longer one for the In0.97Tl0.03AsSb quantum dot (QD) structure. This quaternary QD structure extends the emission wavelength to more than 12 μm which is important in long-wavelength infrared applications. The nonlinear behavior of these QD structures is also addressed. It is shown that the structure In0.97Tl0.03AsSb has a deeper spectral hole burning which is adequate for nonlinear signal processing applications.
Third order intermodulation and third order intercept in a directly modulated Fabry–Perot laser diode
Authors: Pal Partha Pratim , Chakraborty Meenakshi , Chattopadhyay Taraprasad
Published: August 2020

This paper presents measurement of third order intermodulation distortion and third order intercept (TOI) in a Fabry–Perot semiconductor laser lasing at 1550.3 nm when the laser is biharmonically bias-current modulated. Keeping the modulation current of one signal fixed, the third order intermodulation power at two different frequencies has been found to increase with the increase in second signal modulation power. There is an eventual crossover or tendency to crossover in the intermodulation characteristics when the modulation current amplitudes of the channels assume the same value. The TOI has been experimentally measured. The intermodulation power appearing at two different frequencies along with their signal power dependence and measurement of TOI constitute the outcome of this paper. The typical value of spurious-free dynamic range of the modulation scheme is 70 dB.
Radio over fiber (RoF) link modelling using cross term memory polynomial
Authors: Singh Manjit , Sappal Amandeep Singh
Published: August 2020

Due to increase in number of users and demand for higher data rates, the development of transmission systems which meets these requirements is of concern. Radio over Fiber (RoF) has emerged as such kind of technology which not only caters these requirements but also has the advantage of low system complexity, power consumption maintenance costs and low attenuation. But RoF systems suffer from nonlinear distortion caused by the presence of nonlinear system components. This nonlinear distortion results in intermodulation distortion and hence degrades system performance. For mitigating nonlinear distortion, a linearizer is required. A linearizer has inverse characteristics to that of RoF link. For design of the linearizer, accurate modelling of RoF link is required. So, in this paper, we have presented the modelling of a nonlinear RoF ink using cross term memory polynomial.
Design of optoelectronic oscillator based on multiple-length single mode fiber and chirped fiber Bragg grating
Authors: Sagar Shivam , Singh Ritesh Kumar , Lohia Pooja , Dwivedi Dilip Kumar
Published: August 2020

Wireless communication are becoming as a part of human life. If we want to achieve the efficient and affordable communication in wireless technology in optical domain, stable signal and ultra-low phase noise is required. Optoelectronic oscillator is based on converting continues light energy in stable and low phase noise, high-quality (Q) factor is used in wireless communication. If quality factor is low, then the oscillation dies out rapidly. Delay line is used provided higher-quality factor that is used. There are numerous techniques for the photonic generation of microwave signal with high time-bandwidth product and low phase noise. Optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) based generation techniques have been found one of the most interesting technique since last three decades. This approach provides very high frequency microwave signal with lowest possible phase noise. OEO has been designed with miscellaneous architecture by introducing different optical dispersive components such as optical fiber, chirped fiber Bragg grating, polarization modulator, and ring resonator. In this paper, numerous techniques for the design of OEO are reviewed and well demonstrated. There are interesting configurations with substantial improvement in phase noise and frequency of the microwave signals generated. MATLAB simulation has been used for the verification of result explained in this technique.
A Bayesian adjusted plus-minus analysis for the esport Dota 2
Authors: Clark Nicholas , Macdonald Brian , Kloo Ian
Published: August 2020

Analytics and professional sports have become linked over the past several years, but little attention has been paid to the growing field of esports within the sports analytics community. We seek to apply an Adjusted Plus Minus (APM) model, an accepted analytic approach used in traditional sports like hockey and basketball, to one particular esports game: Defense of the Ancients 2 (Dota 2). As with traditional sports, we show how APM metrics developed with Bayesian hierarchical regression can be used to quantify individual player contributions to their teams and, ultimately, use this player-level information to predict game outcomes. In particular, we first provide evidence that gold can be used as a continuous proxy for wins to evaluate a team’s performance, and then use a Bayesian APM model to estimate how players contribute to their team’s gold differential. We demonstrate that this APM model outperforms models based on common team-level statistics (often referred to as “box score statistics”). Beyond the specifics of our modeling approach, this paper serves as an example of the potential utility of applying analytical methodologies from traditional sports analytics to esports.
A Flexible Mixed-Frequency Vector Autoregression with a Steady-State Prior
Authors: Ankargren Sebastian , Unosson Måns , Yang Yukai
Published: August 2020

We propose a Bayesian vector autoregressive (VAR) model for mixed-frequency data. Our model is based on the mean-adjusted parametrization of the VAR and allows for an explicit prior on the “steady states” (unconditional means) of the included variables. Based on recent developments in the literature, we discuss extensions of the model that improve the flexibility of the modeling approach. These extensions include a hierarchical shrinkage prior for the steady-state parameters, and the use of stochastic volatility to model heteroskedasticity. We put the proposed model to use in a forecast evaluation using US data consisting of 10 monthly and three quarterly variables. The results show that the predictive ability typically benefits from using mixed-frequency data, and that improvement can be obtained for both monthly and quarterly variables. We also find that the steady-state prior generally enhances the accuracy of the forecasts, and that accounting for heteroskedasticity by means of stochastic volatility usually provides additional improvements, although not for all variables.
Investigation of the rapid immunochromatographic test performance in the diagnosis of syphilis; comparison of four serological methods
Authors: Terzi Huseyin Agah , Aydemir Ozlem , Karakece Engin , Hatipoglu Huseyin , Olmez Mehmet , Koroglu Mehmet , Altindis Mustafa
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To test the performance of the newly available rapid test for syphilis, we compared it with Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA). Additionally, we investigated the performance of rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassays (CMIA) at our laboratory using TPHA as a gold standard.

Methods

The serum samples of 595 patients with the pre-diagnosis of syphilis were studied by four serological methods. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of RPR, CMIA, and syphilis rapid test were assessed by utilizing TPHA as a gold standard for the diagnosis of syphilis.

Results

Of the patients, 6.2% (37/595) had positive RPR, 5.5% (33/595) had positive CMIA, 5.5% (33/595) had a positive rapid immunochromatographic method and 5% (30/595) had positive TPHA. When TPHA results were taken as the reference, the sensitivity of the rapid test for syphilis was 100%, the specificity was 99.5%, PPV was 90.9%, and NPV was 100.0%.

Conclusions

It was observed that the rapid test for syphilis used in the study was quite successful, its cost was appropriate, and the test was very fast and easy to apply. At the same time, the agreement between syphilis rapid test and TPHA was found to be excellent.
Evaluation of alpha-l-fucosidase for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma based on meta-analysis
Authors: Xi Lei , Yang Chunqing
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The main aim of the present study was to assess the diagnostic value of alpha-l-fucosidase (AFU) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Studies that explored the diagnostic value of AFU in HCC were searched in EMBASE, SCI, and PUBMED. The sensitivity, specificity, and DOR about the accuracy of serum AFU in the diagnosis of HCC were pooled. The methodological quality of each article was evaluated with QUADAS-2 (quality assessment for studies of diagnostic accuracy 2). Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) analysis was performed. Statistical analysis was conducted by using Review Manager 5 and Open Meta-analyst.

Results

Eighteen studies were selected in this study. The pooled estimates for AFU vs. α-fetoprotein (AFP) in the diagnosis of HCC in 18 studies were as follows: sensitivity of 0.7352 (0.6827, 0.7818) vs. 0.7501 (0.6725, 0.8144), and specificity of 0.7681 (0.6946, 0.8283) vs. 0.8208 (0.7586, 0.8697), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 7.974(5.302, 11.993) vs. 13.401 (8.359, 21.483), area under the curve (AUC) of 0.7968 vs. 0.8451, respectively.

Conclusions

AFU is comparable to AFP for the diagnosis of HCC.
Diagnostic work up of anemic patients: role of iron deficiency
Authors: Meiser Daniela , Kayikci Lale , Orth Matthias
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Diagnosing disturbances in iron metabolism can be challenging when accompanied by inflammation. New diagnostic tools such as the “Thomas-plot” (TP) (relation of soluble transferrin receptor [sTfR]/log ferritin to reticulocyte hemoglobin content [RET-He]) were established to improve classification of anemias. Aim of this retrospective study was to assess the added diagnostic value of the TP in anemia work up.

Methods

Patients from December 2016 to September 2018 with a complete blood count, iron status, RET-He and sTfR were manually classified into the four quadrants of the TP on basis of conventional iron markers. Manual and algorithm-based classifications were compared using cross tabulations, Box–Whisker-Plots as well as Receiver-Operating-Characteristics (ROC) to calculate the diagnostic accuracy using Area under the Curve (AUC) analysis.

Results

A total of 3,745 patients with a conventional iron status, including 1,721 TPs, could be evaluated. In 70% of the cases the manual classification was identical to the TP, in 10% it was deviant. 20% could not clearly be classified, mostly due to inflammatory conditions. In the absence of an inflammatory condition, ferritin was a reliable parameter to define iron deficiency (ID) (AUC 0.958). In the presence of inflammation, the significance of the ferritin index (AUC 0.917) and of the RET-He (AUC 0.957) increased.

Conclusions

The TP can be useful for narrowing down the causes of anemia in complex cases. Further studies with focus on special patient groups, e.g., oncological or rheumatic patients, are desirable.
Preposition-drop in Greek: EPP-driven pseudo-incorporation
Authors: Sifaki Evi
Published: August 2020

The paper investigates preposition (and determiner) drop in Greek. A close look at the properties of preposition-drop reveals that despite the lack of a definite determiner, the place nominal that participates in preposition-drop is interpreted as familiar. This familiarity presupposition of the place nominal is achieved via movement of NP-to-SpecDP for the satisfaction of a D-feature bundle on D. Further, the lack of strict adjacency between the verb and the NP provides evidence that Greek preposition-drop aligns more closely with pseudo-incorporation. Here, pseudo-incorporation is triggered for the satisfaction of an EPP/LOC feature available on the verb and satisfied via PP-preposing.
Species richness and ethnozoological annotations on mammals at the Boanamo indigenous community, Waorani territory, Orellana and Pastaza provinces, Ecuador
Authors: Tirira Diego G. , Greeney Harold F. , Omaca Conan , Baihua Otobo , Killackey Ryan P.
Published: August 2020

We present the results of a rapid ecological assessment conducted in 2012 in the community of Boanamo, in the Waorani Ethnic Reserve and Yasuní National Park, Orellana and Pastaza provinces, Ecuadorian Amazon. The study included surveys and observations of mammals by different methodologies over a 16-day sampling period. The results show the presence of 89 species of mammals, but there are several other mammal species expected in the area, increasing the projected diversity to 119 species, a high diverse community when compared with similar locations. Statistical analyses show that Boanamo is an area of high species richness and heterogeneity, consistent with comparable surveys in other areas of primary lowland rainforest in Amazonia. In addition, we documented nine distinct ways and 130 different usages in which 43 species are utilized in Boanamo. To estimate the importance of mammal diversity, we used a Cultural Importance Index, which shows that the species with the highest value are Panthera onca and Nasua nasua. However, the most frequently hunted species were Tayassu pecari and Lagothrix lagothricha. Our final conclusion is the community of Boanamo is entirely dependent on the surrounding forest, and mammals are an important part of their culture and subsistence.
Positive coincidence points for a class of nonlinear operators and their applications to matrix equations
Authors: Kedim Imed , Berzig Maher , Ajmi Ahdi Noomen
Published: August 2020

Consider an ordered Banach space andf,gf,gtwo self-operators defined on the interior of its positive cone. In this article, we prove that the equationf(X)=g(X)f(X)=g(X)has a positive solution, wheneverfis strictlyα\alpha-concaveg-monotone or strictly(−α)(-\alpha )-convexg-antitone withgsuper-homogeneous and surjective. As applications, we show the existence of positive definite solutions to new classes of nonlinear matrix equations.
Monte Carlo tracking drift-diffusion trajectories algorithm for solving narrow escape problems
Authors: Sabelfeld Karl K. , Popov Nikita
Published: August 2020

This study deals with a narrow escape problem, a well-know difficult problem of evaluating the probability for a diffusing particle
to reach a small part of a boundary far away from the starting position of the particle.
A direct simulation of the diffusion trajectories would take an enormous computer simulation time. Instead, we use a different
approach which
drastically improves the efficiency of the diffusion trajectory tracking algorithm by
introducing an artificial drift velocity
directed to the target position.
The method can be efficiently applied to solve narrow escape problems for domains of long extension in one direction which is the case in many practical problems in biology and chemistry.
The algorithm is meshless both in space and time,
and is well applied to solve high-dimensional problems in complicated domains. We present in this paper a detailed numerical analysis of the method for the case of a rectangular parallelepiped. Both stationary and transient diffusion problems are handled.
CBCT for estimation of the cemento-enamel junction and crestal bone of anterior teeth
Authors: Srebrzyńska-Witek Agnieszka , Koszowski Rafał , Różyło-Kalinowska Ingrid , Piskórz Magdalena
Published: August 2020

The aim of the study is to evaluate the usefulness of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the assessment of the relationship between the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and bone crest of the anterior mandibular cortex. The study population comprised 39 males and 61 females, aged 18–71. A GENDEX GXCB-500 machine, i-CAT Vision and CorelDraw 9 software were used. The distances between the CEJ and bone crest at buccal and lingual sides of six anterior mandibular teeth were measured. Descriptive statistical methods, Student’s t-test and ANOVA were used. The mean distance between the bone crest and CEJ was 2.32 mm ± 0.78 mm at the buccal and 2.52 mm ± 0.85 mm at the lingual side. It was found that in males aged over 50 years, the mean distance at the buccal side was 2.84 mm ± 0.79 mm and was significantly higher than in males aged 49 and less – 2.08 mm ± 0.41 mm. The mean distance at the lingual side was 3.28 mm ± 1.08 mm and was significantly lower in the age group of 49 years and less – 2.10 mm ± 0.41 mm. CBCT allows determining the distance between the CEJ and crestal bone margin at buccal and lingual sides. The data provide crucial information for planning orthodontic treatment, implant placement and periodontal therapy.