bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safevi Döneminde Avrupa Tarzı Duvar Resimleri: Bir Sanat Tarihi Okuması
Authors: DAVARİ Nazanin , HATAM Jamshid
Published: January 2019

Safevi hanedanının en önemli hükümdarlarından biri olan Şah Abbas, İran’ın birleştirilmesini ve güçlenmesini sağlamıştır. Bu dönemde Avrupa’dan gelen tüccarlar, elçiler, doktorlar v.s, İran Hrıstiyan toplumları ile yakın bir temas kurup sanat ortamını etkilemişlerdir. Safevi Devri’nde İran resim sanatında padişahların da desteği ile yeni bir dönem açılmıştır. Özellikle de kültür ve imar meraklısı Şah Abbas, sanatçıları, bilim insanlarını ve filozofları himayesi altına alıp İran tarihinde kültürel bir devrim yapmıştır. Bu çalışmada Avrupa anlayışı ile yapılımış duvar resimleri bağlamında Safevilerin başkenti İsfahan’da bulunan ve bu tarz ile meydana çıkmış duvar resimleri tartışılmıştır. Avrupa tarzı duvar resimlerinin çoğu Çihil Sütun sarayında yapılmış olmasına rağmen Sokiyas Köşkü ve Serder-i Kayseriye gibi başka yapıtlarda da bu tarz resimlere rastlanmıştır. Bu tarz resimler duvar üzerinden başka keten ve kağıt üzerine de yapılmıştır. Sarayların içinde yapıtın raporları mevcut olmasına rağmen bu eserlerin kimin tarafından yapıldığı belgelenememiştir.
Marketing untuk Menghadapi Masyarakat Ekonomi Asean (MEA)
Authors: Yusron Ahmad
Published: January 2019

Abstract: A "whole" marketing process must take into account the transcendental element. Because, even though the marketer has been able to make customer smiles but with his actions to anger God the customer (Allah SWT). To speed up the economy in a country even to do international cooperation. MEA is a form of ASEAN economic integration in the sense that there is a free system among ASEAN countries. Indonesia and nine other ASEAN member countries agreed on the ASEAN Economic Community (MEA) Agreement. All ASEAN member countries will soon face a single, open market based on production. The establishment of the MEA aims to improve the welfare of all ASEAN members to face bank interest. It requires inter-sectoral policy coordination to seek solutions to prepare competit- able national industries. ASEAN needs to develop and have a competitive strategy. ASEAN needs to develop and have a great strategy and welcome MEA. Keywords: Marketing Islamic, Asean Economic Community
Rancang Bangun Sistem Informasi untuk Menunjang Penyusunan Laporan Keuangan pada Farm Layer Raja Telur
Authors: Pandowo Hedi
Published: January 2019

Post amnesty tax that has been rolled out by the government encourages some business people to compile tax reports in bookkeeping. Farm layer is an industry that is engaged in the production of eggs, is one of the business people with the requirements of reporting tax books. The important thing in the presentation of financial statements to support tax reporting is the availability of adequate human resources and the ability to process data quickly and accurately. In general, business people in the field of farm layer data processing process only on recording data recording and only contains recapitulation of population growth costs. Of course this has not been sufficient for the purposes of preparing financial statements.These problems can be solved by creating a computer application program that functions to accommodate all the activities in the farm layer company. With this computer application program, it is expected that all data management from beginning to end is recorded in detail and is able to produce financial reports quickly and accurately. Keywords: Farm Layer, Recording, Financial Reports, Computer Application Programs
New Organic Materials Based on Thiophene for Photovoltaic Device: Theoretical investigation
Authors: BOUACHRINE Mohammed , ABRAM Tayeb , KACİMİ Rachid , BEJJİT Lahcen , NASSİRİ BENNANİ Mohammed
Published: January 2019

Theoretical study on the geometries,
electronic properties and absorption spectra of these five conjugated compounds
based on thiophene are studied by Density Functional Theory (DFT) method at
B3LYP level with 6-31G(d,p) basis set. 
The absorption properties were calculated starting at the optimized
structures are calculated using TD-B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) method. The HOMO, LUMO, Gap
energy, Voc , ionization potentials
(IP)/electron affinities (EA) and λmax   of these
compounds have been calculated and reported in this paper. The objective of
this study; is to evidence the relationship between chemical structure of these
organic materials and their properties optoelectronic and
photovoltaic of ways has conceive
thereafter the compounds with effective character for solar cells.
NÖROLOJİ YOĞUN BAKIM ÜNİTESİNDE ÇALIŞAN HEMŞİRELERİN MARUZ KALDIĞI FİZİKSEL ZORLANMALARIN ANALİZİ
Authors: KAHYA Emin , GÜLBANDILAR Sena , GÜRLEYEN Elif
Published: January 2019

Yoğun Bakım Ünitesi
çalışanları verdikleri hizmetler gereği biyolojik, kimyasal, fiziksel,
psikososyal ve biyomekanik risklerle karşı karşıyadır. Yoğun bakım ünitesinde
kolay ayarlanabilir yataklar, yardımcı kaldırma ve taşıma araçları,
antropometrik ölçülerin göz önünde bulundurulması gibi ergonomik faktörlere
göre düzenlenmesi kas iskelet sistemi rahatsızlıklarının önlenmesinde büyük
önem taşımaktadır. Bu çalışmada, bir hastanenin Nöroloji Yoğun Bakım
Ünitesi’nde çalışan hemşire ve diğer sağlık personelin hasta bakımı ve
taşınması sırasında maruz kaldıkları zorlanmaların REBA yöntemiyle tespiti ele
alınmıştır. Ünitede yatağın konumlandırılması, çarşaf düzenleme gibi 11 işlem
tespit edilmiş, bu işlemlerin, ünitede çalışan 15 hemşire gözlemlenerek, REBA
skorları tespit edilmiştir. İşlemlerin REBA skorları 2 ile 10 arasında
değişkenlik göstermiştir.  Bu
zorlanmaları önlemek ve risk seviyelerini kabul edilebilir düzeye çekebilmek
için alternatif çözüm önerileri geliştirilmiştir.  En yüksek risk skoru olan kırışmış çarşaf düzenleme
ve gerdirme işleminde kullanılması önerilen hasta taşıma lifti ile REBA skoru
9’dan 2’ye; hastayı yatağın başına çekme işleminde kaydırıcı çarşaf
kullanımıyla REBA skoru 9’dan 3’e düşeceği tahmin edilmektedir.
BULANIK DEMATEL VE EDAS YÖNTEMLERİ KULLANILARAK SPORCULAR İÇİN AKILLI BİLEKLİK SEÇİMİ
Authors: ALBAYRAK Özge , ERKAYMAN Burak
Published: January 2019

Günümüzde teknolojinin gelişimi ile
birlikte artık günlük hayatta kullanılan kıyafet ve aksesuarlara akıllı
algılayıcıların eklenmesiyle giyilebilir teknolojik ürünlere
dönüştürülmektedir. Giyilebilir teknoloji ürünlerinden biri olan akıllı
bileklikler sportif faaliyetlerimizin, uyku takibimizin, sağlık durumumuzun
kayıt altına alınmasını ve yaşamımızı elde ettiğimiz bu raporlara göre
düzenlememize yardımcı olmaktadır. Her geçen gün gelişen teknolojiye bağlı
olarak alternatif sayısının artması, sporcuların hangi model ve özelliklere
sahip akıllı bilekliği tercih edeceği konusunda zorlanmalarına neden
olmaktadır.

Bu çalışmada, sporcuların akıllı bileklik
tercih sürecini kolaylaştırmak için çok kriterli karar verme tekniklerinden
BULANIK DEMATEL (Fuzzy Decision Making Trial And
Evaluation Laboratory) yöntemi kriter ağırlıkları ve kriterler
arasındaki ilişkiler için, EDAS (Evaluation Based On
Distance From Average Solution) yöntemi ise alternatifler arasından
seçim yapmak için kullanılmıştır. 4 kişilik bir uzman grubun değerlendirmesiyle
elde edilen verileri incelediğimizde, akıllı bileklik seçiminde göz önüne
alınması gereken en önemli kriterin akıllı bilekliklerin kullanım kolaylığı
olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır. Kullanım kolaylığından sonra sırasıyla, estetik, fonksiyonel
özellik, ağırlık ve akıllı bilekliklerin batarya kullanım süresi olarak
belirlenmiştir. EDAS yönteminin sonuçlarına göre
ise Alternatif 2
en iyi performansa sahip akıllı bileklik olarak belirlenmiştir.
Sensitivity to Convective Schemes on Precipitation Simulated by the Regional Climate Model MAR over Belgium (1987–2017)
Authors: Doutreloup Sébastien , Wyard Coraline , Amory Charles , Kittel Christoph , Erpicum Michel , Fettweis Xavier
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study is to assess the sensitivity of convective precipitation modelled by the regional climate model MAR (Modèle Atmosphérique Régional) over 1987–2017 to four newly implemented convective schemes: the Bechtold scheme coming from the MESO-NH regional model and the Betts-Miller-Janjić, Kain-Fritsch and modified Tiedtke schemes coming from the WRF regional model. MAR version 3.9 is used here at a resolution of 10 km over a domain covering Belgium using the ERA-Interim reanalysis as forcing. The simulated precipitation is compared against SYNOP and E-OBS gridded precipitation data. Trends in total and convective precipitation over 1987–2017 are discussed. None of the MAR experiments compares better with observations than the others and they all show the same trends in (extreme) precipitation. Over the period 1987–2017, MAR suggests a significant increase in the mean annual precipitation amount over the North Sea but a significant decrease over High Belgium.
Summertime Urban Mixing Layer Height over Sofia, Bulgaria
Authors: Danchovski Ventsislav
Published: January 2019

Mixing layer height (MLH) is a crucial parameter for air quality modelling that is still not routinely measured. Common methods for MLH determination use atmospheric profiles recorded by radiosonde but this process suffers from coarse temporal resolution since the balloon is usually launched only twice a day. Recently, cheap ceilometers are gaining popularity in the retrieval of MLH diurnal evolution based on aerosol profiles. This study presents a comparison between proprietary (Jenoptik) and freely available (STRAT) algorithms to retrieve MLH diurnal cycle over an urban area. The comparison was conducted in the summer season when MLH is above the full overlapping height of the ceilometer in order to minimize negative impact of the biaxial LiDAR’s drawback. Moreover, fogs or very low clouds which can deteriorate the ceilometer retrieval accuracy are very unlikely to be present in summer. The MLHs determined from the ceilometer were verified against those measured from the radiosonde, which were estimated using the parcel, lapse rate, and Richardson methods (the Richardson method was used as a reference in this study). We found that the STRAT and Jenoptik methods gave lower MLH values than radiosonde with an underestimation of about 150 m and 650 m, respectively. Additionally, STRAT showed some potential in tracking the MLH diurnal evolution, especially during the day. A daily MLH maximum of about 2000 m was found in the late afternoon (18–19 LT). The Jenoptik algorithm showed comparable results to the STRAT algorithm during the night (although both methods sometimes misleadingly reported residual or advected layers as the mixing layer (ML)). During the morning transition the Jenoptik algorithm outperformed STRAT, which suffers from abrupt changes in MLH due to integrated layer attribution. However, daytime performance of Jenoptik was worse, especially in the afternoon when the algorithm often cannot estimate any MLH (in the period 13–16 LT the method reports MLHs in only 15–30% of all cases). This makes day-to-day tracing of MLH diurnal evolution virtually impracticable. This problem is possibly due to its early version (JO-CloVis 8.80, 2009) and issues with real-time processing of a single profile combined with the low signal-to-noise ratio of the ceilometer. Both LiDAR-based algorithms have trouble in the evening transition since they rely on aerosol signature which is more affected by the mixing processes in the past hours than the current turbulent mixing.
Critical Review of the Use of Reference Electrodes in Li-Ion Batteries: A Diagnostic Perspective
Authors: Raccichini Rinaldo , Amores Marco , Hinds Gareth
Published: January 2019

Use of a reference electrode (RE) in Li-ion batteries (LIBs) aims to enable quantitative evaluation of various electrochemical aspects of operation such as: (i) the distinct contribution of each cell component to the overall battery performance, (ii) correct interpretation of current and voltage data with respect to the components, and (iii) the study of reaction mechanisms of individual electrodes. However, care needs to be taken to ensure the presence of the RE does not perturb the normal operation of the cell. Furthermore, if not properly controlled, geometrical and chemical features of the RE can have a significant influence on the measured response. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the range of RE types and configurations reported in the literature, with a focus on critical aspects such as electrochemical methods of analysis, cell geometry, and chemical composition of the RE and influence of the electrolyte. Some of the more controversial issues reported in the literature are highlighted and the benefits and drawbacks of the use of REs as an in situ diagnostic tool in LIBs are discussed.
SP1 and STAT3 Functionally Synergize to Induce the RhoU Small GTPase and a Subclass of Non-canonical WNT Responsive Genes Correlating with Poor Prognosis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Monteleone Emanuele , Orecchia Valeria , Corrieri Paola , Schiavone Davide , Avalle Lidia , Moiso Enrico , Savino Aurora , Molineris Ivan , Provero Paolo , Poli Valeria
Published: January 2019

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease whose clinical management is very challenging. Although specific molecular features characterize breast cancer subtypes with different prognosis, the identification of specific markers predicting disease outcome within the single subtypes still lags behind. Both the non-canonical Wingless-type MMTV Integration site (WNT) and the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT)3 pathways are often constitutively activated in breast tumors, and both can induce the small GTPase Ras Homolog Family Member U RhoU. Here we show that RhoU transcription can be triggered by both canonical and non-canonical WNT ligands via the activation of c-JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) and the recruitment of the Specificity Protein 1 (SP1) transcription factor to the RhoU promoter, identifying for the first time SP1 as a JNK-dependent mediator of WNT signaling. RhoU down-regulation by silencing or treatment with JNK, SP1 or STAT3 inhibitors leads to impaired migration and invasion in basal-like MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 cells, suggesting that STAT3 and SP1 can cooperate to induce high RhoU expression and enhance breast cancer cells migration. Moreover, in vivo concomitant binding of STAT3 and SP1 defines a subclass of genes belonging to the non-canonical WNT and the Interleukin (IL)-6/STAT3 pathways and contributing to breast cancer aggressiveness, suggesting the relevance of developing novel targeted therapies combining inhibitors of the STAT3 and WNT pathways or of their downstream mediators.
Cancer-Associated Intermediate Conductance Ca2+-Activated K+ Channel KCa3.1
Authors: Mohr Corinna J. , Steudel Friederike A. , Gross Dominic , Ruth Peter , Lo Wing-Yee , Hoppe Reiner , Schroth Werner , Brauch Hiltrud , Huber Stephan M. , Lukowski Robert
Published: January 2019

Several tumor entities have been reported to overexpress KCa3.1 potassium channels due to epigenetic, transcriptional, or post-translational modifications. By modulating membrane potential, cell volume, or Ca2+ signaling, KCa3.1 has been proposed to exert pivotal oncogenic functions in tumorigenesis, malignant progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Moreover, KCa3.1 is expressed by tumor-promoting stroma cells such as fibroblasts and the tumor vasculature suggesting a role of KCa3.1 in the adaptation of the tumor microenvironment. Combined, this features KCa3.1 as a candidate target for innovative anti-cancer therapy. However, immune cells also express KCa3.1 thereby contributing to T cell activation. Thus, any strategy targeting KCa3.1 in anti-cancer therapy may also modulate anti-tumor immune activity and/or immunosuppression. The present review article highlights the potential of KCa3.1 as an anti-tumor target providing an overview of the current knowledge on its function in tumor pathogenesis with emphasis on vasculo- and angiogenesis as well as anti-cancer immune responses.
Telomeres in Plants and Humans: Not So Different, Not So Similar
Authors: Procházková Schrumpfová Petra , Fojtová Miloslava , Fajkus Jiří
Published: January 2019

Parallel research on multiple model organisms shows that while some principles of telomere biology are conserved among all eukaryotic kingdoms, we also find some deviations that reflect different evolutionary paths and life strategies, which may have diversified after the establishment of telomerase as a primary mechanism for telomere maintenance. Much more than animals, plants have to cope with environmental stressors, including genotoxic factors, due to their sessile lifestyle. This is, in principle, made possible by an increased capacity and efficiency of the molecular systems ensuring maintenance of genome stability, as well as a higher tolerance to genome instability. Furthermore, plant ontogenesis differs from that of animals in which tissue differentiation and telomerase silencing occur during early embryonic development, and the “telomere clock” in somatic cells may act as a preventive measure against carcinogenesis. This does not happen in plants, where growth and ontogenesis occur through the serial division of apical meristems consisting of a small group of stem cells that generate a linear series of cells, which differentiate into an array of cell types that make a shoot and root. Flowers, as generative plant organs, initiate from the shoot apical meristem in mature plants which is incompatible with the human-like developmental telomere shortening. In this review, we discuss differences between human and plant telomere biology and the implications for aging, genome stability, and cell and organism survival. In particular, we provide a comprehensive comparative overview of telomere proteins acting in humans and in Arabidopsis thaliana model plant, and discuss distinct epigenetic features of telomeric chromatin in these species.
Possible Mechanisms by which Stefin B could Regulate Proteostasis and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Žerovnik Eva
Published: January 2019

Human stefin B is a protease inhibitor from the family of cystatins. It was reported that it forms oligomers in cells. We have shown that it has a role in cell’s response to misfolded proteins. We also have shown that its oligomers bind amyloid-beta (Aβ). Here, we discuss ways, how stefin B could reduce build-up of protein aggregates by other proteins and consequently reduces ROS and, how this might be connected to autophagy. When overexpressed, stefin B forms protein aggregates itself and these protein aggregates induce autophagy. Similarly, cystatin C was shown to bind Aβ and to induce autophagy. It is also suggested how more knowledge about the role of stefin B in a cell’s response to misfolded proteins could be used to modulate progressive myoclonus epilepsy of type 1 EPM1 disease.
Risk Factors for Snoring in Two Canadian First Nations Communities
Authors: Dosman James A. , Karunanayake Chandima P. , McMullin Kathleen , Abonyi Sylvia , Rennie Donna , Lawson Joshua , Kirychuk Shelley , Koehncke Niels , Seeseequasis Jeremy , Jimmy Laurie , Ramsden Vivian R. , Fenton Mark , Marchildon Gregory P. , King Malcolm , Pahwa Punam ,   for the First Nations Lung Health Project Team
Published: January 2019

Snoring may be an important predictor of sleep-disordered breathing. Factors related to snoring among First Nations people are not well understood in a population with high rates of smoking and excess body weight. An interviewer-administered survey was conducted among 874 individual participants from 406 households in 2012 and 2013 in two Canadian First Nations communities. The survey collected information on demographic variables, individual and contextual determinants of respiratory health and snoring (classified as present versus absent) and self-reported height and weight. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships between snoring and potential risk factors adjusting for age and sex. Snoring was present in 46.2% men and 47.0% women. Considering body mass index, 259 people (30.3%) were overweight and 311 (36.4%) were considered obese. The combined current/former smoking rate was 90.2%. Being overweight, obesity, sinus trouble, current smoking status and former smoking were significantly associated with snoring. Exposure to home dampness and mold were suggestive of an association with snoring. To the degree that snoring may be a predictor of possible sleep-disordered breathing, these results indicate that environmental conditions such as smoking and home exposures may be important factors in the pathogenesis of these conditions.
Adsorption and Decomposition of Peroxides on the Surfaces of Dispersed Oxides Fe2O3, Cr2O3 and V2O5
Authors: Dutka Volodymyr , Aksimentyeva Olena , Oshchapovska Nataliya , Kovalskyi Yaroslav , Halechko Halyna
Published: January 2019

The adsorption of peroxides on dispersed oxides Fe2O3, Cr2O3 and V2O5 was studied. It is shown that the adsorption of peroxides is described by the Langmuir equation. The adsorption of benzoyl peroxide grows within Fe2O3 < Cr2O3 < V2O5. Adsorption-desorption equilibrium constants (K) for Cr2O3 and V2O5 are the same, but for Fe2O3 this value is 6 times higher. The decomposition of peroxides is observed in the solution and on the surface of adsorbents. The effective activation energy (E) of the thermal decomposition of peroxides in the studied systems is in the range of 80–140 kJ/mol. The activation energy of degradation of peroxides on the surface (Es) of the dispersed oxides studied is lower. The degradation reaction of peroxides on the surface of Fe2O3 and V2O5 has an oxidation-reducing nature, during which free radicals are produced. On the surface of Cr2O3, there is a heterolytic decay of peroxides. The parameters of the reaction of peroxides decomposition are found. The decomposition of peroxides in the presence of Fe2O3, Cr2O3 and V2O5 in styrene is accompanied by the formation of polystyrene both in the solution and on the surface of the adsorbent.
X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy Measurements of Cu-ProIAPP Complexes at Physiological Concentrations
Authors: De Santis Emiliano , Shardlow Emma , Stellato Francesco , Proux Olivier , Rossi Giancarlo , Exley Christopher , Morante Silvia
Published: January 2019

The amyloidogenic islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) and the associated pro-peptide ProIAPP1–48 are involved in cell death in type 2 diabetes mellitus. It has been observed that interactions of this peptide with metal ions have an impact on the cytotoxicity of the peptides as well as on their deposition in the form of amyloid fibrils. In particular, Cu(II) seems to inhibit amyloid fibril formation, thus suggesting that Cu homeostasis imbalance may be involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We performed X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) measurements of Cu(II)-ProIAPP complexes under near-physiological (10 μM), equimolar concentrations of Cu(II) and peptide. Such low concentrations were made accessible to XAS measurements owing to the use of the High Energy Resolved Fluorescence Detection XAS facility recently installed at the ESRF beamline BM16 (FAME-UHD). Our preliminary data show that XAS measurements at micromolar concentrations are feasible and confirm that ProIAPP1–48-Cu(II) binding at near-physiological conditions can be detected.
A Novel Bulk-Optics Scheme for Quantum Walk with High Phase Stability
Authors: Geraldi Andrea , Bonavena Luís , Liorni Carlo , Mataloni Paolo , Cuevas Álvaro
Published: January 2019

A novel bulk optics scheme for quantum walks is presented. It consists of a one-dimensional lattice built on two concatenated displaced Sagnac interferometers that make it possible to reproduce all the possible trajectories of an optical quantum walk. Because of the closed loop configuration, the interferometric structure is intrinsically stable in phase. Moreover, the lattice structure is highly configurable, as any phase component perceived by the walker is accessible, and finally, all output modes can be measured at any step of the quantum walk evolution. We report here on the experimental implementation of ordered and disordered quantum walks.
Synthesis of Furan-Substituted N-Heteroacene-Based Liquid Material and Its Acid-Recognizing Behavior
Authors: Isoda Kyosuke , Ikenaga Ayumi
Published: January 2019

In this study, we synthesized a novel N-heteroacene-based liquid material 6,7-bis(3,7,11-trimethyl-1-dodecyloxy)-2,3-difurylquinoxaline (RPNL 1), containing two furan rings. We revealed that RPNL 1 adopted a disordered liquid at 25 °C, determined by polarized optical microscopic observation, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction measurements. The fluorescent spectrum measurement revealed that RPNL 1 showed a blue emission at 25 °C. Dissolving benzene sulfonic acid (BSA) in RPNL 1 brought about dramatic changes in its physical properties, such as emission colors, as well as sample states. Upon recognizing BSA, photoluminescent color was changed into orange, as well as phase transition occurred from liquid to a liquid-crystalline phase. RPNL 1 can function as an acid-recognizing material, accompanied with the color changes in emission.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Dentistry Journal in 2018
Authors:   Dentistry Journal Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Effects of Silicon Content on the Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of (AlCrTiZrV)-Six-N High-Entropy Alloy Films
Authors: Niu Jingrui , Li Wei , Liu Ping , Zhang Ke , Ma Fengcang , Chen Xiaohong , Feng Rui , Liaw Peter K.
Published: January 2019

A series of (AlCrTiZrV)-Six-N films with different silicon contents were deposited on monocrystalline silicon substrates by direct-current (DC) magnetron sputtering. The films were characterized by the X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and nano-indentation techniques. The effects of the silicon content on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the films were investigated. The experimental results show that the (AlCrTiZrV)N films grow in columnar grains and present a (200) preferential growth orientation. The addition of the silicon element leads to the disappearance of the (200) peak, and the grain refinement of the (AlCrTiZrV)-Six-N films. Meanwhile, the reticular amorphous phase is formed, thus developing the nanocomposite structure with the nanocrystalline structures encapsulated by the amorphous phase. With the increase of the silicon content, the mechanical properties first increase and then decrease. The maximal hardness and modulus of the film reach 34.3 GPa and 301.5 GPa, respectively, with the silicon content (x) of 8% (volume percent). The strengthening effect of the (AlCrTiZrV)-Six-N film can be mainly attributed to the formation of the nanocomposite structure.
Quaternion Entropy for Analysis of Gait Data
Authors: Szczęsna Agnieszka
Published: January 2019

Nonlinear dynamical analysis is a powerful approach to understanding biological systems. One of the most used metrics of system complexities is the Kolmogorov entropy. Long input signals without noise are required for the calculation, which are very hard to obtain in real situations. Techniques allowing the estimation of entropy directly from time signals are statistics like approximate and sample entropy. Based on that, the new measurement for quaternion signal is introduced. This work presents an example of application of a nonlinear time series analysis by using the new quaternion, approximate entropy to analyse human gait kinematic data. The quaternion entropy was applied to analyse the quaternion signal which represents the segments orientations in time during the human gait. The research was aimed at the assessment of the influence of both walking speed and ground slope on the gait control during treadmill walking. Gait data was obtained by the optical motion capture system.
Approximating Ground States by Neural Network Quantum States
Authors: Yang Ying , Zhang Chengyang , Cao Huaixin
Published: January 2019

Motivated by the Carleo’s work (Science, 2017, 355: 602), we focus on finding the neural network quantum statesapproximation of the unknown ground state of a given Hamiltonian H in terms of the best relative error and explore the influences of sum, tensor product, local unitary of Hamiltonians on the best relative error. Besides, we illustrate our method with some examples.
Reconstruction of PET Images Using Cross-Entropy and Field of Experts
Authors: Mejia Jose , Ochoa Alberto , Mederos Boris
Published: January 2019

The reconstruction of positron emission tomography data is a difficult task, particularly at low count rates because Poisson noise has a significant influence on the statistical uncertainty of positron emission tomography (PET) measurements. Prior information is frequently used to improve image quality. In this paper, we propose the use of a field of experts to model a priori structure and capture anatomical spatial dependencies of the PET images to address the problems of noise and low count data, which make the reconstruction of the image difficult. We reconstruct PET images by using a modified MXE algorithm, which minimizes a objective function with the cross-entropy as a fidelity term, while the field of expert model is incorporated as a regularizing term. Comparisons with the expectation maximization algorithm and a iterative method with a prior penalizing relative differences showed that the proposed method can lead to accurate estimation of the image, especially with acquisitions at low count rate.
Desalination Processes’ Efficiency and Future Roadmap
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad Wakil , Burhan Muhammad , Ybyraiymkul Doskhan , Ng Kim Choon
Published: January 2019

For future sustainable seawater desalination, the importance of achieving better energy efficiency of the existing 19,500 commercial-scale desalination plants cannot be over emphasized. The major concern of the desalination industry is the inadequate approach to energy efficiency evaluation of diverse seawater desalination processes by omitting the grade of energy supplied. These conventional approaches would suffice if the efficacy comparison were to be conducted for the same energy input processes. The misconception of considering all derived energies as equivalent in the desalination industry has severe economic and environmental consequences. In the realms of the energy and desalination system planners, serious judgmental errors in the process selection of green installations are made unconsciously as the efficacy data are either flawed or inaccurate. Inferior efficacy technologies’ implementation decisions were observed in many water-stressed countries that can burden a country’s economy immediately with higher unit energy cost as well as cause more undesirable environmental effects on the surroundings. In this article, a standard primary energy-based thermodynamic framework is presented that addresses energy efficacy fairly and accurately. It shows clearly that a thermally driven process consumes 2.5–3% of standard primary energy (SPE) when combined with power plants. A standard universal performance ratio-based evaluation method has been proposed that showed all desalination processes performance varies from 10–14% of the thermodynamic limit. To achieve 2030 sustainability goals, innovative processes are required to meet 25–30% of the thermodynamic limit.
Information Entropy of Tight-Binding Random Networks with Losses and Gain: Scaling and Universality
Authors: Martínez-Martínez C. T. , Méndez-Bermúdez J. A.
Published: January 2019

We study the localization properties of the eigenvectors, characterized by their information entropy, of tight-binding random networks with balanced losses and gain. The random network model, which is based on Erdős–Rényi (ER) graphs, is defined by three parameters: the network size N, the network connectivity α , and the losses-and-gain strength γ . Here, N and α are the standard parameters of ER graphs, while we introduce losses and gain by including complex self-loops on all vertices with the imaginary amplitude i γ with random balanced signs, thus breaking the Hermiticity of the corresponding adjacency matrices and inducing complex spectra. By the use of extensive numerical simulations, we define a scaling parameter ξ ≡ ξ ( N , α , γ ) that fixes the localization properties of the eigenvectors of our random network model; such that, when ξ < 0.1 ( 10 < ξ ), the eigenvectors are localized (extended), while the localization-to-delocalization transition occurs for 0.1 < ξ < 10 . Moreover, to extend the applicability of our findings, we demonstrate that for fixed ξ , the spectral properties (characterized by the position of the eigenvalues on the complex plane) of our network model are also universal; i.e., they do not depend on the specific values of the network parameters.
Parallel Lives: A Local-Realistic Interpretation of “Nonlocal” Boxes
Authors: Brassard Gilles , Raymond-Robichaud Paul
Published: January 2019

We carry out a thought experiment in an imaginary world. Our world is both local and realistic, yet it violates a Bell inequality more than does quantum theory. This serves to debunk the myth that equates local realism with local hidden variables in the simplest possible manner. Along the way, we reinterpret the celebrated 1935 argument of Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen, and come to the conclusion that they were right in their questioning the completeness of the Copenhagen version of quantum theory, provided one believes in a local-realistic universe. Throughout our journey, we strive to explain our views from first principles, without expecting mathematical sophistication nor specialized prior knowledge from the reader.
Creating an Energy Analysis Concept for Oil and Gas Companies: The Case of the Yakutiya Company in Russia
Authors: Yan Jun , Feng Lianyong , Steblyanskaya Alina , Sokolov Anton , Iskritskaya Nataliya
Published: January 2019

Recently, energy analysis has been added to Russian gas companies’ annual reporting system. This new practice indicates that corporate reports are improving their analyses by addressing energy issue and the financial efficiency of energy production. However, the use of summary energy indicators is limited in these annual reports. In this paper we review the history of energy analysis in Russia from the early USSR period to today. Under the guidance of energy return on investment (EROI), we compare energy efficiency indicators with financial efficiency coefficients. The results show that the value of the return on cost of sales (ROCS) is negative in certain instances, while the value of the energy return on cost of sales (EROCS) is extremely high under the example of the Russian energy company JSC “YATEC.” Money-based indicator values (ROCS and return on fix assets (ROFA)) fluctuate with internal company financial management goals, and from the outside depending on market prices. Meanwhile energy-based values (EROCS) remain stable. Added financial analysis and energy analysis in companies’ annual statements will supplement each other in practice and will present the full picture for company efficiency analysis.
Effect of Tailing-Edge Thickness on Aerodynamic Noise for Wind Turbine Airfoil
Authors: Li Xinkai , Yang Ke , Hu Hao , Wang Xiaodong , Kang Shun
Published: January 2019

The influence of wind turbine airfoil trailing edge thickness on aerodynamics and aerodynamic noise characteristics was studied using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD)/ Ffowcs Williams–Hawkings (FW–H) method in the present work. First, the airfoil of a DU97-W-300-flatback airfoil was chosen as the research object, and numerical method validation was performed. Three kinds of turbulence calculation methods (unsteady Reynolds average Navier-Stokes (URANS), detached eddy simulation (DES), and large eddy simulation (LES)) were investigated in detail, and three sets of grid scales were used to study the impact of the airfoil on the aerodynamic noise. Secondly, the airfoil trailing edge thickness was changed, and the impact of trailing edge thickness on aerodynamics and aerodynamic noise was investigated. Results show that three kinds of turbulence calculation methods yield the same sound pressure frequency, and the magnitude of the sound pressure level (SPL) corresponding to the mean frequency is almost the same. The calculation of the SPL of the peak value and the experimental results can match well with each other, but the calculated core frequency is slightly lower than the experimental frequency. The results of URANS and DES are closer to each other with a changing trend of SPL, and the consequences of the DES calculation are closer to the experimental results. From the comparison of two airfoils, the blunt trailing edge (BTE) airfoil has higher lift and drag coefficients than the original airfoil. The basic frequency of lift coefficients of the BTE airfoil is less than that of the original airfoil. It is demonstrated that the trailing vortex shedding frequency of the original airfoil is higher than that of the BTE airfoil. At a small angle of attack (AOA), the distribution of SPL for the original airfoil exhibits low frequency characteristics, while, at high AOA, the wide frequency characteristic is presented. For the BTE airfoil, the distribution of SPL exhibits low frequency characteristics for the range of the AOA. The maximum AOA of SPL is 4° and the minimum AOA of SPL is 15°, while, for the original airfoil, the maximum AOA of SPL is 19°, and the minimum AOA is 8°. For most AOAs, the SPL of the BTE airfoil is larger than that of the original airfoil.
Characterizing Flexoelectricity in Composite Material Using the Element-Free Galerkin Method
Authors: He Bo , Javvaji Brahmanandam , Zhuang Xiaoying
Published: January 2019

This study employs the Element-Free Galerkin method (EFG) to characterize flexoelectricity in a composite material. The presence of the strain gradient term in the Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) requires C 1 continuity to describe the electromechanical coupling. The use of quartic weight functions in the developed model fulfills this prerequisite. We report the generation of electric polarization in a non-piezoelectric composite material through the inclusion-induced strain gradient field. The level set technique associated with the model supervises the weak discontinuity between the inclusion and matrix. The increased area ratio between the inclusion and matrix is found to improve the conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy. The electromechanical coupling is enhanced when using softer materials for the embedding inclusions.
Simulation of the Filling Capability in Vane Pumps
Authors: Rundo Massimo , Altare Giorgio , Casoli Paolo
Published: January 2019

In positive displacement pumps, the main volumetric loss at high speed is due to the incomplete filling of the variable volume chambers. The prediction of the limit speed and of the maximum flow rate delivered by a pump can be obtained only through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, since the shape, the orientation, and the movement of the chambers with respect to the inlet volume must be considered, along with the non-uniform distribution of the gaseous phase, due to the dissolved air release. In this paper, the influence of different geometric parameters on the filling of a vane pump has been investigated through the commercial software PumpLinx®. At first, a model of a reference pump has been created and validated with different configurations of the suction flow area, then a simplified model has been used for assessing the influence of the geometry of the rotating assembly. It was found that a pump with a low ratio between the axial thickness and the diameter has a higher volumetric efficiency if the chambers are fed from one side only. Opposite behaviors were found in the case of pumps with small diameters and high thicknesses. Moreover, the filling could be improved by increasing the number of chambers, and by reducing the diameter of the rotor, even only locally.
Trombe Wall Utilization for Cold and Hot Climate Conditions
Authors: Mohamad Abdulmajeed , Taler Jan , Ocłoń Paweł
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a novel design for heating and ventilating rooms using solar energy in the winter season and for reducing the cooling load in the summer season is suggested. The system utilizes a water tank, which is part of the building’s wall, for storage and hot water supply. The proposed passive system can be used for heating a room in the day and if the heat is available in excess, at night too. The excess heat can also be utilized to heat water for domestic applications. In the summer season, the excess heat can passively ventilate a room and be extracted out of the building. In addition, as mentioned earlier, the heated water by solar energy can be used for domestic purposes such as washing and taking showers. Hence, it helps in reducing the cooling load in the summer season. This article introduces an analysis of the feasibility of the suggested system. The proposed system has many advantages: The modified Tromble wall system is more thermally efficient, is lighter, and has a fast response for charging and discharging processes as compared to the conventional Trombe walls. The mathematical model of the modified Trombe wall was developed, and the effects of various parameters influencing the heat transfer processes were studied.
Prediction of Hydropower Generation Using Grey Wolf Optimization Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Dehghani Majid , Riahi-Madvar Hossein , Hooshyaripor Farhad , Mosavi Amir , Shamshirband Shahaboddin , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Chau Kwok-wing
Published: January 2019

Hydropower is among the cleanest sources of energy. However, the rate of hydropower generation is profoundly affected by the inflow to the dam reservoirs. In this study, the Grey wolf optimization (GWO) method coupled with an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to forecast the hydropower generation. For this purpose, the Dez basin average of rainfall was calculated using Thiessen polygons. Twenty input combinations, including the inflow to the dam, the rainfall and the hydropower in the previous months were used, while the output in all the scenarios was one month of hydropower generation. Then, the coupled model was used to forecast the hydropower generation. Results indicated that the method was promising. GWO-ANFIS was capable of predicting the hydropower generation satisfactorily, while the ANFIS failed in nine input-output combinations.
Biofuel and Bioenergy Technology
Authors: Chen Wei-Hsin , Lee Keat Teong , Ong Hwai Chyuan
Published: January 2019

Biomass is considered as a renewable resource because of its short life cycle, and biomass-derived biofuels are potential substitutes to fossil fuels [...]
The Band Structures of Zn1−xMgxO(In) and the Simulation of CdTe Solar Cells with a Zn1−xMgxO(In) Window Layer by SCAPS
Authors: He Xu , Wu Lili , Hao Xia , Zhang Jingquan , Li Chunxiu , Wang Wenwu , Feng Lianghuan , Du Zheng
Published: January 2019

Wider band-gap window layers can enhance the transmission of sunlight in the short-wavelength region and improve the performance of CdTe solar cells. In this work, we investigated the band structure of In-doped Zn1−xMgxO (ZMO:In) by using first-principles calculations with the GGA + U method and simulated the performance of ZMO:In/CdTe devices using the SCAPS program. The calculation results show that with the increased Mg doping concentration, the band gap of ZMO increases. However, the band gap of ZMO was decreased after In incorporation due to the downwards shifted conduction band. Owing to the improved short circuit current and fill factor, the conversion efficiency of the ZMO:In-based solar cells show better performance as compared with the CdS-based ones. A highest efficiency of 19.63% could be achieved owing to the wider band gap of ZMO:In and the appropriate conduction band offset (CBO) of ~0.23 eV at ZMO:In/CdTe interface when the Mg concentration x approaches 0.0625. Further investigations on thickness suggest an appropriate thickness of ZMO:In (x = 0.0625) in order to obtain better device performance would be 70–100 nm. This work provides a theoretical guidance for designing and fabricating highly efficient CdTe solar cells.
Environmental Assessment of European Union Countries
Authors: Hsieh Jin-chi , Lu Ching-cheng , Li Ying , Chiu Yung-ho , Xu Ya-sue
Published: January 2019

This study utilizes the dynamic data envelopment analysis (DEA) model by considering time to measure the energy environmental efficiency of 28 countries in the European Union (EU) during the period 2006–2013. There are three kinds of variables: input, output, and carry-over. The inputs are labor, capital, and energy consumption (EC). The undesirable outputs are greenhouse gas emissions (GHE) and sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions, and the desirable output variable is gross domestic product (GDP). The carry-over variable is gross capital formation (GCF). The empirical results show that first the dynamic DEA model can measure environment efficiency and provide optimum improvement for inefficient countries, as more than half of the EU countries should improve their environmental efficiency. Second, the average overall scores of the EU countries point out that the better period of performance is from 2009 to 2012. Third, the output variables of GHE, SOx, and GDP exhibit a significant impact on environmental efficiency. Finally, the average value of others is significantly better than high renewable energy utilization (HRE) with the Wilcoxon test. Thus, the EU’s strategy for environmental energy improvement should be to pay attention to the benefits of renewable energy (RE) utilization, reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHE), and enhancing the development of RE utilization to help achieve the goal of lower GHE.
A Reverse Model Predictive Control Strategy for a Modular Multilevel Converter
Authors: Guan Weide , Huang Shoudao , Luo Derong , Rong Fei
Published: January 2019

In recent years, modular multilevel converters (MMCs) have developed rapidly, and are widely used in medium and high voltage applications. Model predictive control (MPC) has attracted wide attention recently, and its advantages include straightforward implementation, fast dynamic response, simple system design, and easy handling of multiple objectives. The main technical challenge of the conventional MPC for MMC is the reduction of computational complexity of the cost function without the reduction of control performance of the system. Some modified MPC scan decrease the computational complexity by evaluating the number of on-state sub-modules (SMs) rather than the number of switching states. However, the computational complexity is still too high for an MMC with a huge number of SMs. A reverse MPC (R-MPC) strategy for MMC was proposed in this paper to further reduce the computational burden by calculating the number of inserted SMs directly, based on the reverse prediction of arm voltages. Thus, the computational burden was independent of the number of SMs in the arm. The control performance of the proposed R-MPC strategy was validated by Matlab/Simulink software and a down-scaled experimental prototype.