bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Protein/Lipid Preload Attenuates Glucose-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction in Individuals with Abnormal Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Tricò Domenico , Nesti Lorenzo , Frascerra Silvia , Baldi Simona , Mengozzi Alessandro , Natali Andrea
Published: July 2020

Postprandial hyperglycemia interferes with vascular reactivity and is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease. Macronutrient preloads reduce postprandial hyperglycemia in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the effect on endothelial function is unknown. Therefore, we examined whether a protein/lipid preload can attenuate postprandial endothelial dysfunction by lowering plasma glucose responses in subjects with IGT/T2D. Endothelial function was assessed by the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) at fasting, 60 min and 120 min during two 75 g oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) preceded by either water or a macronutrient preload (i.e., egg and parmesan cheese) in 22 volunteers with IGT/T2D. Plasma glucose, insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon, free fatty acids, and amino acids were measured through each test. RHI negatively correlated with fasting plasma glucose. During the control OGTT, RHI decreased by 9% and its deterioration was associated with the rise in plasma glucose. The macronutrient preload attenuated the decline in RHI and markedly reduced postprandial glycemia. The beneficial effect of the macronutrient preload on RHI was proportional to the improvement in glucose tolerance and was associated with the increase in plasma GLP-1 and arginine levels. In conclusion, a protein/lipid macronutrient preload attenuates glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction in individuals with IGT/T2D by lowering plasma glucose excursions and by increasing GLP-1 and arginine levels, which are known regulators of the nitric oxide vasodilator system.
Chitosan and its Derivatives for Ocular Delivery Formulations: Recent Advances and Developments
Authors: Zamboulis Alexandra , Nanaki Stavroula , Michailidou Georgia , Koumentakou Ioanna , Lazaridou Maria , Ainali Nina Maria , Xanthopoulou Eleftheria , Bikiaris Dimitrios N.
Published: July 2020

Chitosan (CS) is a hemi-synthetic cationic linear polysaccharide produced by the deacetylation of chitin. CS is non-toxic, highly biocompatible, and biodegradable, and it has a low immunogenicity. Additionally, CS has inherent antibacterial properties and a mucoadhesive character and can disrupt epithelial tight junctions, thus acting as a permeability enhancer. As such, CS and its derivatives are well-suited for the challenging field of ocular drug delivery. In the present review article, we will discuss the properties of CS that contribute to its successful application in ocular delivery before reviewing the latest advances in the use of CS for the development of novel ophthalmic delivery systems. Colloidal nanocarriers (nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes) will be presented, followed by CS gels and lenses and ocular inserts. Finally, instances of CS coatings, aiming at conferring mucoadhesiveness to other matrixes, will be presented.
Biodegradation of Crystalline Cellulose Nanofibers by Means of Enzyme Immobilized-Alginate Beads and Microparticles
Authors: Kamdem Tamo Arnaud , Doench Ingo , Morales Helguera Aliuska , Hoenders Daniel , Walther Andreas , Madrazo Anayancy Osorio
Published: July 2020

Recent advances in nanocellulose technology have revealed the potential of crystalline cellulose nanofibers to reinforce materials which are useful for tissue engineering, among other functions. However, the low biodegradability of nanocellulose can possess some problems in biomedical applications. In this work, alginate particles with encapsulated enzyme cellulase extracted from Trichoderma reesei were prepared for the biodegradation of crystalline cellulose nanofibers, which carrier system could be incorporated in tissue engineering biomaterials to degrade the crystalline cellulose nanoreinforcement in situ and on-demand during tissue regeneration. Both alginate beads and microparticles were processed by extrusion-dropping and inkjet-based methods, respectively. Processing parameters like the alginate concentration, concentration of ionic crosslinker Ca2+, hardening time, and ionic strength of the medium were varied. The hydrolytic activity of the free and encapsulated enzyme was evaluated for unmodified (CNFs) and TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNFs) in suspension (heterogeneous conditions); in comparison to solubilized cellulose derivatives (homogeneous conditions). The enzymatic activity was evaluated for temperatures between 25–75 °C, pH range from 3.5 to 8.0 and incubation times until 21 d. Encapsulated cellulase in general displayed higher activity compared to the free enzyme over wider temperature and pH ranges and for longer incubation times. A statistical design allowed optimizing the processing parameters for the preparation of enzyme-encapsulated alginate particles presenting the highest enzymatic activity and sphericity. The statistical analysis yielded the optimum particles characteristics and properties by using a formulation of 2% (w/v) alginate, a coagulation bath of 0.2 M CaCl2 and a hardening time of 1 h. In homogeneous conditions the highest catalytic activity was obtained at 55 °C and pH 4.8. These temperature and pH values were considered to study the biodegradation of the crystalline cellulose nanofibers in suspension. The encapsulated cellulase preserved its activity for several weeks over that of the free enzyme, which latter considerably decreased and practically showed deactivation after just 10 d. The alginate microparticles with their high surface area-to-volume ratio effectively allowed the controlled release of the encapsulated enzyme and thereby the sustained hydrolysis of the cellulose nanofibers. The relative activity of cellulase encapsulated in the microparticles leveled-off at around 60% after one day and practically remained at that value for three weeks.
From Cellulose, Shrimp and Crab Shells to Energy Storage EDLC Cells: The Study of Structural and Electrochemical Properties of Proton Conducting Chitosan-Based Biopolymer Blend Electrolytes
Authors: B. Aziz Shujahadeen B. , H. Hamsan Muhamad. H. , M. Nofal Muaffaq M. , San Saro , Abdulwahid Rebar T. , Raza Saeed Salah Raza , Brza Mohamad A. , Kadir Mohd F. Z. , Mohammed Sewara J. , Al-Zangana Shakhawan
Published: July 2020

In this study, solid polymer blend electrolytes (SPBEs) based on chitosan (CS) and methylcellulose (MC) incorporated with different concentrations of ammonium fluoride (NH4F) salt were synthesized using a solution cast technique. Both Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed a strong interaction and dispersion of the amorphous region within the CS:MC system in the presence of NH4F. To gain better insights into the electrical properties of the samples, the results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were analyzed by electrical equivalent circuit (EEC) modeling. The highest conductivity of 2.96 × 10−3 S cm−1 was recorded for the sample incorporated with 40 wt.% of NH4F. Through transference number measurement (TNM) analysis, the fraction of ions was specified. The electrochemical stability of the electrolyte sample was found to be up to 2.3 V via the linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) study. The value of specific capacitance was determined to be around 58.3 F/g. The stability test showed that the electrical double layer capacitor (EDLC) system can be recharged and discharged for up to 100 cycles with an average specific capacitance of 64.1 F/g. The synthesized EDLC cell was found to exhibit high efficiency (90%). In the 1st cycle, the values of internal resistance, energy density and power density of the EDLC cell were determined to be 65 Ω, 9.3 Wh/kg and 1282 W/kg, respectively.
FDM-Based 3D Printing of Polymer and Associated Composite: A Review on Mechanical Properties, Defects and Treatments
Authors: Wickramasinghe Sachini , Do Truong , Tran Phuong
Published: July 2020

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is one of the fastest-growing additive manufacturing methods used in printing fibre-reinforced composites (FRC). The performances of the resulting printed parts are limited compared to those by other manufacturing methods due to their inherent defects. Hence, the effort to develop treatment methods to overcome these drawbacks has accelerated during the past few years. The main focus of this study is to review the impact of those defects on the mechanical performance of FRC and therefore to discuss the available treatment methods to eliminate or minimize them in order to enhance the functional properties of the printed parts. As FRC is a combination of polymer matrix material and continuous or short reinforcing fibres, this review will thoroughly discuss both thermoplastic polymers and FRCs printed via FDM technology, including the effect of printing parameters such as layer thickness, infill pattern, raster angle and fibre orientation. The most common defects on printed parts, in particular, the void formation, surface roughness and poor bonding between fibre and matrix, are explored. An inclusive discussion on the effectiveness of chemical, laser, heat and ultrasound treatments to minimize these drawbacks is provided by this review.
Equal Opportunity Beliefs beyond Black and White American Christianity
Authors: Park Jerry Z. , Chang Joyce C. , Davidson James C.
Published: July 2020

Scholars in critical race and the sociology of religion have independently drawn attention to the ways in which cultural ideologies drive beliefs about inequalities between groups. Critical race work on “abstract liberalism” highlights non-racially inflected language that tacitly reinforces White socioeconomic outcomes resulting from an allegedly fair social system. Sociologists of religion have noted that White Evangelical Christian theology promotes an individualist mindset that places blame for racial inequalities on the perceived failings of Blacks. Using data from the National Asian American Survey 2016, we return to this question and ask whether beliefs about the importance of equal opportunity reveal similarities or differences between religious Asian American and Latino Christians and Black and White Christians. The results confirm that White Christians are generally the least supportive of American society providing equal opportunity for all. At the other end, Black Christians were the most supportive. However, with the inclusion of Asian American Christian groups, we note that second generation Asian American and Latino Evangelicals hew closer to the White Christian mean, while most other Asian and Latino Christian groups adhere more closely to the Black Christian mean. This study provides further support for the recent claims of religion’s complex relationship with other stratifying identities. It suggests that cultural assimilation among second generation non-Black Evangelical Christians heads more toward the colorblind racist attitudes of many White Christians, whereas potential for new coalitions of Latino and Black Christians could emerge, given their shared perceptions of the persistent inequality in their communities.
Extreme Gradient Boosting Model for Rain Retrieval using Radar Reflectivity from Various Elevation Angles
Authors: Wei Chih-Chiang , Hsu Chen-Chia
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study was to develop an optimal estimation model for rainfall rate retrievals using radar reflectivity, thereby gaining an effective grasp of rainfall information for disaster prevention uses. A process was designed for evaluating the optimal retrieval models using various dataset combinations with radar reflectivity and ground meteorological attributes. Various ground meteorological attributes (such as relative humidity, wind speed, precipitation, etc.) were obtained using the land-based weather stations affiliated with Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau (CWB). This study used nine radar reflectivity provided by the Hualien weather surveillance radar station’s Volume Cover Pattern 21 system. The developed models are built using multiple machine learning algorithms, including linear regression (REG), support vector regression (SVR), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), in addition to the Marshall–Palmer formula (MP). The study examined 14 typhoons that occurred from 2008 to 2017 at Chenggong station in southeast Taiwan, and Lanyu station in the outlying islands, and the top four major rainfall events were designated as test typhoons—Nanmadol (2011), Tembin (2012), Matmo (2014), and Nepartak (2016). The results indicated that for rainfall retrievals, radar reflectivity at a scanning (elevation) angle of 6.0° combined with ground meteorological attributes were the optimal input variables for the Chenggong station, whereas radar reflectivity at an elevation angle of 4.3° combined with ground meteorological attributes were optimal for the Lanyu station. In terms of model performance, XGBoost models had the lowest error index at Chenggong and Lanyu stations compared with MP, REG, and SVR models. XGBoost models at Lanyu station had the highest efficiency coefficient (0.903), and those at Chenggong station had the second highest (0.885). As a result, pairing the combination of optimal radar reflectivity and ground meteorological attributes, as verified by the evaluation process, with a high-efficiency algorithm (XGBoost) can effectively increase the accuracy of rainfall retrieval during typhoons.
Narrow-to-Broadband Conversion for Albedo Estimation on Urban Surfaces by UAV-Based Multispectral Camera
Authors: Xu Xi , Asawa Takashi , Kobayashi Hideki
Published: July 2020

Urban surface albedo is important for investigating urban surface–atmosphere radiative heat exchanges. For modeling surface energy balance (SEB) at local and neighborhood scales, ground or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based multispectral remote sensing (RS) can be used to obtain high-spatial-resolution multispectral information for both horizontal and vertical urban surfaces. The existing narrow-to-broadband (NTB) conversion models, developed for satellite/high-altitude observation and large homogeneous rural/vegetated/snow zones, may not be suitable for downscaling to the local and neighborhood scales or the urban complex texture. We developed three NTB models following published methodologies for three common UAV-based multispectral cameras according to Sample_D, a sample group of extensive spectral albedos of artificial urban surfaces, and evaluated their performance and sensitivities to solar conditions and surface material class. The proposed models were validated with independent samples (Sample_V). A model considering albedo physics was improved by multiplying different variables with respect to the camera (termed as “Model_phy_reg”), which initially proved to be the most accurate with a root mean square error of up to 0.02 for Sample_D and approximately 0.029 for Sample_V, meeting the required accuracy of total shortwave albedo for SEB modeling. The accuracy of Model_phy_reg was not much prone to the solar conditions.
Optimal Distribution of Renewable Energy Systems Considering Aging and Long-Term Weather Effect in Net-Zero Energy Building Design
Authors: Lu Yuehong , Alghassab Mohammed , Alvarez-Alvarado Manuel S. , Gunduz Hasan , Khan Zafar A. , Imran Muhammad
Published: July 2020

Generation system interruptions in net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) may result in missing the net-zero targets by a great margin. Consequently, it is significant to incorporate a realistic reliability model for renewable energy systems (RESs) that considers aging and long-term weather conditions. This study proposed a robust design optimization method that deals with the selection of RES to achieve NZEB. Different case studies were evaluated: 1. Deterministic approach; 2. Markov chain-based reliability without the aging effect; 3. Markov chain-based reliability with the aging effect. The results showed that the optimal sizes of RES, considering the aging effect, were much larger than the other two cases based on the annual energy balance. Moreover, the consideration of the aging effect on the reliability assessment of the generation system for NZEB opens a pathway for a more robust and economic design of RES.
An Improved Fast Affine Motion Estimation Based on Edge Detection Algorithm for VVC
Authors: Ren Weizheng , He Wei , Cui Yansong
Published: July 2020

As a newly proposed video coding standard, Versatile Video Coding (VVC) has adopted some revolutionary techniques compared to High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC). The multiple-mode affine motion compensation (MM-AMC) adopted by VVC saves approximately 15%-25% Bjøntegaard Delta Bitrate (BD-BR), with an inevitable increase of encoding time. This paper gives an overview of both the 4-parameter affine motion model and the 6-parameter affine motion model, analyzes their performances, and proposes improved algorithms according to the symmetry of iterative gradient descent for fast affine motion estimation. Finally, the proposed algorithms and symmetric MM-AMC flame of VTM-7.0 are compared. The results show that the proposed algorithms save 6.65% total encoding time on average, which saves approximately 30% encoding time of affine motion compensation.
Impact of Feature Selection Methods on the Predictive Performance of Software Defect Prediction Models: An Extensive Empirical Study
Authors: Balogun Abdullateef O. , Basri Shuib , Mahamad Saipunidzam , Abdulkadir Said J. , Almomani Malek A. , Adeyemo Victor E. , Al-Tashi Qasem , Mojeed Hammed A. , Imam Abdullahi A. , Bajeh Amos O.
Published: July 2020

Feature selection (FS) is a feasible solution for mitigating high dimensionality problem, and many FS methods have been proposed in the context of software defect prediction (SDP). Moreover, many empirical studies on the impact and effectiveness of FS methods on SDP models often lead to contradictory experimental results and inconsistent findings. These contradictions can be attributed to relative study limitations such as small datasets, limited FS search methods, and unsuitable prediction models in the respective scope of studies. It is hence critical to conduct an extensive empirical study to address these contradictions to guide researchers and buttress the scientific tenacity of experimental conclusions. In this study, we investigated the impact of 46 FS methods using Naïve Bayes and Decision Tree classifiers over 25 software defect datasets from 4 software repositories (NASA, PROMISE, ReLink, and AEEEM). The ensuing prediction models were evaluated based on accuracy and AUC values. Scott–KnottESD and the novel Double Scott–KnottESD rank statistical methods were used for statistical ranking of the studied FS methods. The experimental results showed that there is no one best FS method as their respective performances depends on the choice of classifiers, performance evaluation metrics, and dataset. However, we recommend the use of statistical-based, probability-based, and classifier-based filter feature ranking (FFR) methods, respectively, in SDP. For filter subset selection (FSS) methods, correlation-based feature selection (CFS) with metaheuristic search methods is recommended. For wrapper feature selection (WFS) methods, the IWSS-based WFS method is recommended as it outperforms the conventional SFS and LHS-based WFS methods.
Hepatitis C Virus and Hepatitis B Virus Co-Infection
Authors: Shih Yi-Fen , Liu Chun-Jen
Published: July 2020

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection can be encountered in either virus endemic countries. Co-infection can also be found in populations at risk of parenteral transmission. Previous studies demonstrated a high risk of liver disease progression in patients with HCV/HBV co-infection; thus, they should be treated aggressively. Previous evidence recommended therapy combining peginterferon (pegIFN) alfa and ribavirin for co-infected patients with positive HCV RNA. Recent trials further advise using direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for the clearance of HCV in the co-infected patients. Reactivation of HBV has been observed in patients post-intervention, with higher risks and earlier onset in those having had HCV cured by DAA- versus pegIFN-based therapy. The mechanism of HBV reactivation is an interesting but unsolved puzzle. Our recent study revealed that in vitro HBV replication was suppressed by HCV co-infection; HBV suppression was attenuated when interferon signaling was blocked. In vivo, the HBV viremia, initially suppressed by the presence of HCV super-infection, rebounded following HCV clearance by DAA treatment and was accompanied by a reduced hepatic interferon response. In summary, major achievements in the treatment of HCV/HBV co-infection have been accomplished over the past 20 years. Future clinical trials should address measures to reduce or prevent HBV reactivation post HCV cure.
The Influence of Aquaculture Effluents on the Prevalence and Biocides Resistance of Opportunistic Pseudomonas fluorescens Bacteria in the Drwęca River Protected under the Natura 2000 Network
Authors: Gołaś Iwona
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of trout aquaculture effluents on the Drwęca River. The count of opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas fluorescens (OPPF) in the total Pseudomonas fluorescens population (TPFP) were determined by plating on King B medium and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The resistance of OPPF strains to 12 antibiotics and two disinfectants was evaluated. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in OPPF counts were found between seven sampling sites. OPPF counts were highest in samples collected directly downstream from three fish farms. More than 50% of these isolates demonstrated multiple-drug resistance to ampicillin, mezlocillin, cefotaxime, norfloxacin, tetracycline and two disinfectants (Steridial and chloramine T). Of these, 52% were resistant to high doses of cefotaxime and norfloxacin (MIC ≥ 256 µg·mL−1), and 65% were resistant to the maximum doses of Steridial (MIC Ste ≥ 25 mL·m−3) and chloramine T (MIC Chlor ≥ 20 mg·L−1). All OPPF sampled upstream from the farms were sensitive to low concentrations of CTX (cefotaxime) and NOR (norfloxacin) (MIC ≤ 2 µg·mL−1), Steridial (MIC Ste ≤ 5 mL·m−3) and chloramine T (MIC Chlor ≤ 2.5 mg·L−1). Agglomerative clustering revealed two clusters: strains from samples collected upstream and downstream from trout farms. The results indicate that aquaculture effluents significantly affect the prevalence of biocides resistant OPPF along the river continuum.
Urbanization—Its Hidden Impact on Water Losses: Prądnik River Basin, Lesser Poland
Authors: Lepeška Tomáš , Wojkowski Jakub , Wałęga Andrzej , Młyński Dariusz , Radecki-Pawlik Artur , Olah Branislav
Published: July 2020

Urban development causes multiple water losses. Some of them may be ignored but some could have a huge influence on the whole catchment, including soil drought. As urban sprawl rises, space for unaffected infiltration and retention is increasingly limited. The objective of this study was to backcast and to estimate water-retention loss due to urbanization during the period of 1990–2018. We used landcover data, meteorological and hydrological data and data on soil water-holding capacity. Water-retention loss was expressed as soil water retention capacity loss, net precipitation loss and total sum of precipitation loss. Historical change in urban extension has led to large impacts on the hydrological cycle of the study area. Progressive urban development caused water-retention losses which range from 3.380 to 14.182 millions of cubic meters—depending on the methodology used. Hydrological analysis showed the lack of a significant trend (decrease trend) of low flow which is caused by the high percentage of natural land use in the upper part of catchment. Our results show that backcasting of water retention change using CLC data (a) brings new and plausible data on retention loss, (b) is possible to replicate and (c) data used are common and easy-to-get.
Land-Cover and Climatic Controls on Water Temperature, Flow Permanence, and Fragmentation of Great Basin Stream Networks
Authors: Gendaszek Andrew S. , Dunham Jason B. , Torgersen Christian E. , Hockman-Wert David P. , Heck Michael P. , Thorson Justin , Mintz Jeffrey , Allai Todd
Published: July 2020

The seasonal and inter-annual variability of flow presence and water temperature within headwater streams of the Great Basin of the western United States limit the occurrence and distribution of coldwater fish and other aquatic species. To evaluate changes in flow presence and water temperature during seasonal dry periods, we developed spatial stream network (SSN) models from remotely sensed land-cover and climatic data that account for autocovariance within stream networks to predict the May to August flow presence and water temperature between 2015 and 2017 in two arid watersheds within the Great Basin: Willow and Whitehorse Creeks in southeastern Oregon and Willow and Rock Creeks in northern Nevada. The inclusion of spatial autocovariance structures improved the predictive performance of the May water temperature model when the stream networks were most connected, but only marginally improved the August water temperature model when the stream networks were most fragmented. As stream network fragmentation increased from the spring to the summer, the SSN models revealed a shift in the scale of processes affecting flow presence and water temperature from watershed-scale processes like snowmelt during high-runoff seasons to local processes like groundwater discharge during sustained seasonal dry periods.
Estratégias de Gestão Pública na Prefeitura de Vitória/ES
Authors: Venturim Lorenza Falchetto , Borges Carlos Nazareno Ferreira , Silva Dirceu Santos
Published: July 2020

O objetivo do artigo é discutir as possibilidades de intersetorialidade na gestão pública da Secretaria Municipal de Esporte e Lazer de Vitória (SEMESP) no planejamento, implementação e avaliação do Programa Esporte e Lazer da Cidade (PELC). Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem qualitativa, que ocorreu em três etapas: pesquisa bibliográfica; análise documental; e entrevistas semiestruturadas com gestores do poder público municipal. Constatou-se que, no município de Vitória, a intersetorialidade foi compreendida como um princípio de gestão pública relevante. No entanto, o seu processo de desenvolvimento é cercado por dificuldades como: a fragmentação das políticas públicas, a ausência de formação profissional, a falta de infraestrutura e a escassez de recursos.
Host based Intrusion Detection System HIDS
Authors:   CSE Department, ABESEC Ghaziabad AKTU Lucknow , India., Yadav Aman , Srivastav Abhishek ,   CSE Department, ABESEC Ghaziabad AKTU Lucknow , India., Tiwari Abhinandan ,   CSE Department, ABESEC Ghaziabad AKTU Lucknow, India., Singh Krishna Vir ,   CSE Department, ABESEC Ghaziabad AKTU Lucknow , India.
Published: July 2020

This paper presents the data analysis and feature extraction of KDD dataset of 1999. This is used to detect signature based and anomaly attacks on a system. The process is supported by data extraction as well as data cleaning of the above mentioned data set. The dataset consists of 42 parameters and 58 services. These parameters are further filtered to extract useful attributes. Every attack in the dataset is labeled either with “normal” or into four different attack types i.e. denial-of-service, network probe, remote-to-local or user-to-root. Using different machine learning algorithms, the work tries to compare the individual accuracy, True Positive and False positive rate of every algorithm with every other algorithm. The work focuses its attention to increase security through detection of static as well as dynamic attack.
Detection and Counting of Animals in CameraTrap Images using Faster R-Cnn and Data Augmentation Techniques
Authors:   CSE Department, AP GOYAL SHIMLA UNIVERSITY, Shimla, India., Touh Panawè , Sharma Mukesh ,   CSE Department, AP GOYAL SHIMLA UNIVERSITY, Shimla, India.
Published: July 2020

Camera traps are used to recover images of animals in their habitats to help in the conservation of fauna. Millions of images are captured by camera traps and extracting information from these data delays and consumes enough resources so sometimes millions of images cannot be used due to lack of resources. That is why researchers have proposed solution approaches using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and object detection models to be able to automate the retrieval of information from these images. We used Faster R-CNN and data augmentation techniques on Gold Standard Snapshot Serengeti Dataset to detect animals in images and count them. The performances of the two models (the one trained on the original dataset and the one trained on the augmented dataset) were compared to show the importance of having more data for this task. Using the augmented dataset, we trained our model which reached an accuracy of 98.26% for classification of the proposed regions, an accuracy of 79.55% for counting the species present on the images and a mAP of 95.3%. For future work, the model can be trained to recognize the actions and characteristics of animals and tuned to be more efficient for counting task.
Design of Smart Fuzzy Logic Controller in Quad Buck-Boost DC DC Converter with Constant Input and Output Current
Authors:   Electrical and Electronics Engg, Dayananda sagar college of Engg, Bangalore, India, S Lahari , R Dhanalakshmi ,   Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bangalore, India.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the design of a fuzzy logic controller based quad buck-boost converter with constant input and output current is presented. In contrast with the ordinary step-down-up converters the advanced converter with same duty cycle, a large limit of voltage conversion ratio could be acquired. A proposed converter is designed and studied with an intelligent controller i.e. fuzzy logic controller/FLC and differentiated with the ordinary Proportional-Integral /PIC controller. Finally, the analysis of the presented converter by employing MATLAB/Simulink, simulation results of the presented converter is recorded to substantiate the effectualness and rationality of the output voltage control of Quad buck-boost converter in both step-down-up mode and its comparative analysis is presented where the fuzzy logic has a minimum overshoot and settling time compared to regular PI controller.
Beam Pattern Optimization Method for Subarray-based Hybrid Beamforming Systems
Authors: Eisenbeis Joerg , Pfaff Jonas , Karg Christian , Kowalewski Jerzy , Li Yueheng , Pauli Mario , Zwick Thomas
Published: July 2020

Subarray-based hybrid beamforming (SBHB) systems represent an efficient architectural solution to realize massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. Thereby, the beamforming is no longer realized exclusively in the digital domain, but in coordination with an analog beamforming network by connecting each digital channel to a dedicated number of antenna elements via phase shifters. Most channel estimation and beamforming algorithms for SBHB systems are based on beam steering approaches, demanding a precise calibration of the analog beamforming network. In this letter, the SBHB system is calibrated by over-the-air (OTA) scattering parameter measurements and two criteria to optimize the beam pattern are formulated exploiting the ambiguities of the phase shifters. Both optimization criteria are evaluated using a designed SBHB receiver system operating at 27.8 GHz.
Social Media Analytics in Event Marketing: Engaging Marathon Fans in Facebook Communities
Authors: Park Seunghyun "Brian" , Park Kwaangsoo , Park Jeong-Yeol , Back Robin M.
Published: July 2020

This research is to examine the effects of attributes related to designing post content in Facebook marathon community pages on enhancing levels of engagement. Marketer- and user-generated content of 3,142 posts published on three Facebook pages for the Boston, Chicago, and New York City marathons were collected. Social media analytics were used to discover major topics and engagement trends on the pages. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to examine how publisher type, content type, event case, time, and interactions among these factors affected the engagement levels of Facebook users. Results show that main and interaction effects significantly increase engagement among Facebook users. In particular, content generated by marketers was more effective in engaging users than content generated by users. Posting photos and videos enhanced engagement more than status posts. The effects of inserting hyperlinks varied depending on the marathon page. This exemplary study extends the social media marketing literature in event marketing and provides useful information on how social media marketing strategies can be made more effective through engaging social media users. Findings will be of benefit to both researchers and marketers.
LAMA PENYIMPANAN PADA SUHU RENDAH TERHADAP JUMLAH BAKTERI DAN pH SUSU HASIL PASTEURISASI DALAM KEMASAN
Authors: Danah Ida , Akhdiat Tedi , Sumarni Sri
Published: July 2020

Penelitian mengenai lama penyimpanan pada suhu rendah terhadap jumlah bakteri dan pH hasil susu pasteurisasi kemasan dilaksanakan di salah satu perusahaan susu di Lembang Kabupaten Bandung Barat.Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pengaruh lama penyimpanan dan penyimpanan manakah yang menyebabkan susu hasil pasteurisasi dalam kemasan yang disimimpan pada suhu rendah tidak layak konsumsi. Metode penenilitan adalah eksperimen dengan rancangan percobaan Rancangan Acak Lengkap dengan 5 perlakuan (lama penyimpanan) yaitu H1 = 1 hari; H3 = 3 hari; H5 = 5 hari; H7 = 7 hari; H9 = 9 hari dan di ulangan 5 kali.Hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan sebagai berikut : 1) Lama penyimpanan 7 dan 9 hari berpengaruh meningkatkan jumlah bakteri dan menurunkan pH susu pasteurisasi dalam kemasan 2) Berdasarkan kelayakan konsumsi, susu pasteurisasi dalam kemasan masih bisa dikonsumsi diantara  penyimpanan 7 hari dan 9 hari.
EFFECT OF BREAKFAST SKIPPING ON BODY MASS INDEX ADOLESCENT UNIVERSITY GIRLS
Authors: Dr. Noor fatima  , Dr. Zirwa Noor  , Swaira Shafique
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE:  Breakfast is considered as important meal of the day and it should provide 25 % of total energy intake including all five food groups. Breakfast skipping is common in adolescents and it is associated with changes in Body Mass Index (BMI) and cognitive abilities. Breakfast skipping enhances appetite throughout the remaining day which leads to over eating resulting in overweight and obesity. Addition of breakfast is useful plan of action to improve satiety, reduced food motivation and improve diet quality. Eating breakfast regularly has association between both with less mental distress and healthy life style. For this purpose, this study was designed to determine the prevalence of breakfast skipping in adolescent’s university girls and its effect on their Body Mass Index (BMI).

 METHODOLOGY: For the current research, 200 individuals were selected from different departments of The University of Faisalabad. Questionnaire was developed and height, weight and dietary history were measured. The data obtained from the study was tabulated and statistically analyzed by applying Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Least Significant Difference (LSD).

RESULTS: Skipping of breakfast has significant effect on increasing the Body Mass Index (BMI) in university adolescent girls.

CONCLUSION: Breakfast skipping resulted in increased BMI in university adolescent girls.
The Association between Cyanotic and Acyanotic Congenital Heart Disease with Nutritional Status
Authors: Amelia Putri , Adriansyah Rizky , Lubis Bastian , Akil Muhammad
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common birth anomalies in the 1st year of life. The incidence of CHD in developed and developing countries is varied, between 6 and 10 cases per 1000 live birth. Some factors contribute to the nutritional status of CHD patients, such as nutrient inputs, energy requirements, and dietary components. Irrespective of the nature of the cardiac defect and the presence or absence of cyanosis, malnutrition is a common finding in children with congenital heart anomalies. Recent studies have tried to investigate malnutrition development based on the type or category of CHD.
AIM: This study aims to investigate the association between cyanotic and acyanotic CHD with nutritional status.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2018 in the pediatric cardiology outpatient clinic of the Haji Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia.
RESULTS: During the study period, 58 children were admitted, consisting of 31 (53.4%) males and 27 (46.6%) females, with a mean age of 57 months. There was no significant sex predilection found in the study (p = 0.207). The proportion of patients who developed malnutrition was 70.7% (mild-moderate = 48.3% and severe = 22.4%). There was an association between cyanotic and acyanotic CHD with nutritional status (p = 0.015). Wasting was found in 33 children (56.8%) that had a significant association with the type of heart defects (p = 0.001). Patients with cyanotic CHDs were found to have a lower risk for malnutrition compared to the acyanotic group (prevalence odds ratio = 0.218, and prevalence risk = 0.661; p = 0.015).
CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between cyanotic and acyanotic CHD with nutritional status.
Caractéristiques pétrologiques et géochimiques des roches magmatiques d’El Aouana, NE algérien
Authors: Hamlaoui H. , Laouar R. , Bouhlel S. , Boyce A. J.
Published: July 2020

[fr] Les roches ignées du massif d’El Aouana font partie de la chaîne magmatique miocène des Maghrébides qui s’étend du nord de la Tunisie jusqu’au Maroc. Ces roches sont composées de faciès volcaniques (andésites et dacites) et subvolcaniques (microdiorites et microgranodiorites), qui ont été mis en place au sein des flyschs crétacés, oligo-miocènes et sédiments miocènes post-nappes. Les andésites sont composées de phénocristaux de plagioclase, d’amphibole et de pyroxène dans une mésostase microlithique. Les dacites sont plus riches en plagioclase avec de rare minéraux ferromagnésiens souvent altérés. Les microdiorites et microgranodiorites sont généralement à hornblende verte, plagioclase, pyroxène et rare biotite dans une mésostase microcristalline. Les résultats géochimiques montrent que ces roches sont calco-alcalines avec une affinité type-I et elles présentent un enrichissement en éléments à grand rayon ionique (LILE) et éléments de terres rares légers (LREE) par rap­port aux éléments à champs électrostatique élevé (HFSE) et aux éléments de terres rares lourds (HREE). Les anomalies négatives en Nb, P et Ti témoignent d’un magma de zones de subduction. Les observations de terrains, les données pétrographiques et géochimiques montrent que les granitoïdes miocènes d’El Aouana ont été mis en place dans un environnement post-collisionnel. Ces roches sont similaires aux granitoïdes métalumineux, post-collisionnels de l’Algérie du nord, considérés comme dérivés d’une source mantellique métasomatisée suite au processus de ‘slab break-off’ sous la marge nord-africaine.
Interacción entre vulcanismo, tectónica y sedimentación en una plataforma carbonatada somera: Ejemplo en el Tethys occidental (Jurásico Medio, sureste de la Cordillera Ibérica)
Authors: Cortés J. E.
Published: July 2020

En el sureste de la Cordillera Ibérica (España) existen una serie de afloramientos de rocas volcánicas origi­nadas por erupciones submarinas, principalmente de tipo volcanoclástico, interestratificadas en las sucesiones carbonatadas del Jurásico Inferior y Medio. La cartografía geológica de los afloramientos de rocas volcánicas revela que se encuentran alineados a lo largo de tres elementos de debilidad cortical bien definidos (zonas de falla de Teruel, de Caudiel y de Alcublas), originados probablemente por fracturas relacionadas con la apertura y expansión del Tethys Ligur y del Tethys Alpino. En este trabajo se presentan los resultados del estudio de la evolución tectonosedimentaria de un ambiente submarino somero afectado por la presencia de una acumulación volcánica que tuvo lugar en el Jurásico Medio (límite Aaleniense‒Bajociense). Se trata del afloramiento volcánico de Caudiel, que es el más suroriental de todos los afloramientos localizados en uno de los tres elementos de debilidad estructural mencionados: la Zona de Falla de Caudiel. La presencia de un relieve positivo en el fondo de la plataforma, ya de por sí bastante somera, condiciona la sedimentación carbonatada, muy sensible a la pro­fundidad, hasta el punto de llegar a inducir cambios significativos de facies con respecto a otras áreas cercanas o de impedir la sedimentación. Los movimientos episódicos del substrato generaron una topografía irregular y cambiante a lo largo del tiempo, con tasas variables de hundimiento y levantamiento en diferentes áreas. El aflo­ramiento de Caudiel constituye un buen ejemplo fósil de interacción entre varios factores (vulcanismo, tectónica y sedimentación) en plataformas carbonatadas someras, en las que los cambios de acomodación y las tasas de sedimentación parecen estar subordinadas a perturbaciones tectónicas de carácter local.
Mobile Apps for Boarding House Recommendation
Authors: Effendy Faried , Kartono Kartono , Herawatie Dyah
Published: July 2020

 

This research aims to build a boarding house recommender system based on the Fuzzy TOPSIS method. This application can be utilized by the student community to discover a suitable boarding house. This research uses the classic life cycle (waterfall) as a software development model. The waterfall model consists of 5 stages, namely, communication, planning, modeling, construction, and deployment. In this study, we focus on the construction and deployment stage.
To test and assess the system, we use a questionnaire filled by the respondents. Two arrangements of surveys created, one for the students and another for mobile application experts. We use ISO 9126 as a base to assess the system in terms of functionality, usability, content, reliability, and performance. As a result, these mobile apps graded 3.54 and categorized as an excellent system. This system is well-honorable and acknowledged by the student community, which gives a superior, simple method for promoting and reliable tool for finding appropriate boarding houses. The users recommend adding some features such as boarding communities, ratings, reviews so users can communicate with each other and increase the effectiveness and functionality of the application.
Instagram User Experience in Learning Graphic Design
Authors: Salehudin Mohammad , Hamid Abdulloh , Zakaria Zuhkhriyan , Rorimpandey Widdy H.F , Yunus Muhammad
Published: July 2020

Mobile phone technology offers new opportunities to integrate face-to-face learning also other models of learning. Instagram is mostly only used for business and public figure exposure. But we see a tendency to use Instagram that students use in learning graphic design as a way to access content, publish work and learning outcomes using mobile phone. The purpose of this study is to find out the comparison of the average value of In-diagram assisted creative learning and measure the user experience (UX) of Instagram in learning graphic design. This study uses a quantitative approach with a pseudo experiment of non equivalent control group de-sign to find a comparison of the average value of student learning outcomes in the Statistical Test with MANOVA and to find out the average value of UX with UEQ Instagram benchmarks for learning graphic design. The results of the study there are significant differences (real) the average value between the experimental class group and the control class group. UX test results are on four scales that are categorized as ex-excellent, namely the scale of Attractiveness, efficiency, dependability, stimulation. One perspicuity scale is above average and the novelty scale is good, the mean range is 1.33-2.00 according to the UEQ benchmark interval. The implication of this research is that Instagram through mobile phone technology is effectively used for the creative learning of graphic design lessons and needs to be developed as a medium for the development of teaching materials on all subject matter.
The Research of Durability of Asphalt Concrete Bridge Deck with Little Polyester Fiber Content in Cold Regions
Authors: Liu Xiu , Yu Xiao Mei , Xu Chuang , Chu Jiang Wei
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the common diseases about bridge deck pavement of the completed highway in Heilongjiang province have been made practical investigation and analyze why these diseases happen. It also combines the climate features in north cold areas，from the way of using High quality modified asphalt，reducing the catalytic point temperature of pitch to improve the low temperature anti-crack property, using high strength coarse and fine aggregate，adjusting gradation of mixture aggregate and the ratio of oil to stone to improve temperature and water stability and durability for Concrete pavement project of Nao Li river bridge connected Jian San river with Hu Lin highway .From trabecular bending test、Freeze-thaw splitting test、Rutting test and Immersion Marshall test，that compares different influence research on pavement performance of bridge with Bitumen concrete bridge deck which have different polyester fiber content .The experimental result indicates the proportion of polyester fiber can clearly ameliorate the temperature stability、hypothermia anti-cracking performance and water stability of Asphalt .And within a certain range of polyester fiber content，various road performances will be improved with the increasing of polyester fiber content，and on this basis，the optimum polyester fiber content is raised.
Small-scale irrigation and its effect on food security of rural households in North-West Ethiopia: A comparative analysis
Authors: Wondimagegnhu Beneberu Assefa , Bogale Biazin Alemu
Published: July 2020

Agriculture is a limiting factor for food security in Ethiopia as more than 80% of the population depends on it for livelihoods. In many parts of the country, the frequency and distribution of rainfall and the principal source of water for crop production are getting more unreliable and inadequate and frequent droughts, make irrigation farming indispensable. Despite the high potential for irrigation, the study area remained to be one of the food insecure districts in the region and currently it is supported by the productive safety net program. Information is also missing on the extent to which households who have access to irrigation produce more than those who depend on rainfed agriculture. The study contributes to a comparative analysis of the effect of small scale irrigation. The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of small scale irrigation on the food security of rural households. Data were collected from 185 randomly selected rural households in the Goncha-SisoEnesie district of northwest Ethiopia. Descriptive analysis, household food balance model and binary logit regression were employed as tools of data analysis. The result revealed that out of all sampled households, 74% were food secured and 26% were not. The gap in food calorie availability was high ranging from 753-6659 kcal/adult equivalent/day in the study area. Out of 84 irrigation users, 84.5% of them were food secured; whereas only 65.3% of the total 101 non-irrigation users were food secured. In this study, household size, farmland size, access to irrigation, access to credit services, and income from rainfed crop production were the determinant factors of household food security. Small scale irrigation had a direct and indirect positive effect on enhancing household food security status. Thus, the concerned development partners and policymakers should consider the promotion and expansion of irrigated farming in the area.