bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Study on a Cable-Bracing Inerter System for Seismic Mitigation
Authors: Xie Liyu , Ban Xinlei , Xue Songtao , Ikago Kohju , Kang Jianfei , Tang Hesheng
Published: October 2019

In this paper, cables are proposed to connect the inerter and main frame for translation-to-rotation conversion, i.e., the cable-bracing inerter system (CBIS), with a magnified mass and enhanced damping effect. This novel configuration has the benefits of deformation relaxation at the connecting joints, easy installation, and an adaptive layout for nonconsecutive-story deployment. Dynamic motion equations were established for a single degree-of-freedom (SDOF) model equipped with a CBIS. The influence of dimensionless parameters, such as inertance-mass ratio, stiffness ratio and additional damping ratio on vibration mitigation were studied in terms of displacement response and force output. A single objective and multiple objective optimal design method were developed for a CBIS-equipped structure based on a performance-oriented design framework. Finally, the mitigation effect was illustrated and verified by a numerical simulation in a time-domain. The results showed that a CBIS is an effective structural response mitigation device used to mitigate the response of structural systems under earthquake excitation. Using the proposed optimization method, CBIS parameters can be effectively designed to satisfy the target vibration control level.
Repair Performance of Self-Healing Microcapsule/Epoxy Resin Insulating Composite to Physical Damage
Authors: Wang Youyuan , Li Yudong , Zhang Zhanxi , Zhao Haisen , Zhang Yanfang
Published: October 2019

Minor physical damage can reduce the insulation performance of epoxy resin, which seriously threatens the reliability of electrical equipment. In this paper, the epoxy resin insulating composite was prepared by a microcapsule system to achieve its self-healing goal. The repair performance to physical damage was analyzed by the tests of scratch, cross-section damage, electric tree, and breakdown strength. The results show that compared with pure epoxy resin, the composite has the obvious self-healing performance. For mechanical damage, the maximum repair rate of physical structure is 100%, and the breakdown strength can be restored to 83% of the original state. For electrical damage, microcapsule can not only attract the electrical tree and inhibit its propagation process, but also repair the tubules of electrical tree effectively. Moreover, the repair rate is fast, which meets the application requirements of epoxy resin insulating material. In addition, the repair behavior is dominated by capillarity and molecular diffusion on the defect surface. Furthermore, the electrical properties of repaired part are greatly affected by the characteristics of damage interface and repair product. In a word, the composite shows better repair performance to physical damage, which is conducive to improving the reliability of electrical insulating materials.
Transmission Performance Analysis of RV Reducers Influenced by Profile Modification and Load
Authors: Wang Hui , Shi Zhao-Yao , Yu Bo , Xu Hang
Published: October 2019

RV reducers contain multi-tooth contact characteristics, with high-impact resistance and a small backlash, and are widely used in precision transmissions, such as robot joints. The main parameters affecting the transmission performance include torsional stiffness and transmission errors (TEs). However, a cycloid tooth profile modification has a significant influence on the transmission accuracy and torsional stiffness of an RV reducer. It is important to study the multi-tooth contact characteristics caused by modifying the cycloid profile. The contact force is calculated using a single contact stiffness, inevitably affecting the accuracy of the result. Thus, a new multi-tooth contact model and a TE model of an RV reducer are proposed by dividing the contact area into several differential elements. A comparison of the contact force obtained using the finite element method and the test results of an RV reducer prototype validates the proposed models. On this basis, the influence of load on the different modification methods is studied, including a TE, the mechanical performance, and the transmission efficiency. In addition, the proposed reverse profile is particularly suitable for situations with a large clearance and torque. This study provides a reliable theoretical basis for a multi-tooth contact analysis of a cycloid profile modification.
Overview of Federated Facility to Harmonize, Analyze and Management of Missing Data in Cohorts
Authors: Rajula Hema Sekhar Reddy , Odintsova Veronika , Manchia Mirko , Fanos Vassilios
Published: October 2019

Cohorts are instrumental for epidemiologically oriented observational studies. Cohort studies usually observe large groups of individuals for a specific period of time to identify the contributing factors to a specific outcome (for instance an illness) and create associations between risk factors and the outcome under study. In collaborative projects, federated data facilities are meta-database systems that are distributed across multiple locations that permit to analyze, combine, or harmonize data from different sources making them suitable for mega- and meta-analyses. The harmonization of data can increase the statistical power of studies through maximization of sample size, allowing for additional refined statistical analyses, which ultimately lead to answer research questions that could not be addressed while using a single study. Indeed, harmonized data can be analyzed through mega-analysis of raw data or fixed effects meta-analysis. Other types of data might be analyzed by e.g., random-effects meta-analyses or Bayesian evidence synthesis. In this article, we describe some methodological aspects related to the construction of a federated facility to optimize analyses of multiple datasets, the impact of missing data, and some methods for handling missing data in cohort studies.
Promoting Optimal User Experience through Composite Challenge Tasks
Authors: Cruz Ricardo , Pineda Luis A.
Published: October 2019

Optimal user experience or flow is a theory with great impact on user experience. Promoting flow has become a competitive advantage for interactive systems, including rehabilitation. This can be achieved through an engaging interface that provides a rewarding experience and motivates the user to use the system again. This theory sustains that promoting a state of flow and improving task performance depends heavily on the balance between the challenges posed by the system and the skills deployed by the user. We further claim that balanced mental and motor skills demanded by the task improve flow and task performance. This paper presents an experiment supporting these claims. For this, we built two movement-interaction rehabilitation systems called SIBMER and Macoli (arm in Náhuatl). Both systems have two versions, one with a balanced load of mental and motor skills, and the other with an unbalanced one. Both versions are compared in terms of their potential to promote the state of flow and to improve task performance. Results show that a balance demand of mental and motor skills promotes flow, independently of the task complexity. Likewise, the experiment shows a correlation between flow and performance.
Network Traffic Type-Based Quality of Experience (QoE) Assessment for Universal Services
Authors: Xu Zheng , Zhang Anguo
Published: October 2019

Nowadays, more and more online content providers are offering multiple types of data services. To provide users with a better service experience, Quality of Experience (QoE) has been widely used in the delivery quality measurement of network services. How to accurately measure the QoE score for all types of network services has become a meaningful but difficult problem. To solve this problem, we proposed a unified QoE scoring framework that measures the user experience of almost all types of network services. The framework first uses a machine learning model (random forest) to classify network services, then selects different nonlinear expressions based on the type of service and comprehensively calculates the QoE score through the Quality of Service (QOS) metrics including transmission delay, packet loss rate, and throughput rate. Experiment results show that the proposed method has the ability to be applied on almost all the types of network traffic, and it achieves better QoE assessment accuracy than other works.
Adaptive Pitch Control of Variable-Pitch PMSG Based Wind Turbine
Authors: Chen Jian , Yang Bo , Duan Wenyong , Shu Hongchun , An Na , Chen Libing , Yu Tao
Published: October 2019

This paper presents an adaptive pitch-angle control approach for a permanent magnet-synchronous generator-based wind turbine (PMSG-WT) connecting with a power grid to limit extracted power above the rated wind speed. In the proposed control approach, a designed perturbation observer is employed for estimating and compensating unknown parameter uncertainties, system nonlinearities, and unknown disturbances. The proposed control approach does not require full state measurements or the accurate system model. Simulation tests verify the effectiveness of the proposed control approach. The simulation results demonstrate that compared with the feedback linearizing controller, conventional vector controller with proportional-integral (PI) loops, and PI controller with gain scheduling, the proposed control approach can always maintain the extracted wind power around rated power, and has higher performance and robustness against disturbance and parameter uncertainties.
MIGHT: Statistical Methodology for Missing-Data Imputation in Food Composition Databases
Authors: Ispirova Gordana , Eftimov Tome , Korošec Peter , Koroušić Seljak Barbara
Published: October 2019

This paper addresses the problem of missing data in food composition databases (FCDBs). The missing data can be either for selected foods or for specific components only. Most often, the problem is solved by human experts subjectively borrowing data from other FCDBs, for data estimation or imputation. Such an approach is not only time-consuming but may also lead to wrong decisions as the value of certain components in certain foods may vary from database to database due to differences in analytical methods. To ease missing-data borrowing and increase the quality of missing-data selection, we propose a new computer-based methodology, named MIGHT - Missing Nutrient Value Imputation UsinG Null Hypothesis Testing, that enables optimal selection of missing data from different FCDBs. The evaluation on a subset of European FCDBs, available through EuroFIR and complied with the Food data structure and format standard BS EN 16104 published in 2012, proves that, in more than 80% of selected cases, MIGHT gives more accurate results than techniques currently applied for missing value imputation in FCDBs. MIGHT deals with missing data in FCDBs by introducing rules for missing data imputation based on the idea that proper statistical analysis can decrease the error of data borrowing.
Method to Remove Tilt-to-Length Coupling Caused by Interference of Flat-Top Beam and Gaussian Beam
Authors: Zhao Ya , Wang Zhi , Li Yupeng , Fang Chao , Liu Heshan , Gao Huilong
Published: October 2019

We discuss the tilt-to-length (TTL) coupling noise caused by interference between a flat-top beam and a Gaussian beam. Several physical models are presented to research the effects of non-diffracted and diffracted beams on TTL noise. A special case that can remove TTL coupling noise is discovered and is verified via both theoretical analysis and numerical simulations. The proposed case could provide desirable suggestions for the construction of high-precision interferometers such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), Taiji program, or other interferometry systems.
Kinematic Model and Real-Time Path Generator for a Wire-Driven Surgical Robot Arm with Articulated Joint Structure
Authors: Jin Sangrok , Lee Seoung Kyou , Lee Jaeyeon , Han Seokyoung
Published: October 2019

This paper presents a forward kinematic model of a wire-driven surgical robot arm with an articulated joint structure and path generation algorithms with solutions of inverse kinematics. The proposed methods were applied to a wire-driven surgical robot for single-port surgery. This robot has a snake-like robotic arm with double segments to fit the working space in a single port and a joint structure to secure stiffness. The accuracy of the model is highly important because small surgical robot arms are usually controlled by open-loop control. A curvature model is widely used to describe and control a continuum robotic body. However, the model is quite different from a continuum robotic arm with a joint structure and can lead to slack of the driving wires or decreased stiffness of the joints. An accurate forward kinematic model was derived to fit the actual hardware structure via the frame transformation method. An inverse kinematic model from the joint space to the wire-length space was determined from an asymmetric model for the joint structure as opposed to a symmetric curvature model. The path generation algorithm has to generate a command to send to each actuator in open-loop control. Two real-time path generation algorithms that solve for inverse kinematics from the task space to the joint space were designed and compared using simulations and experiments. One of the algorithms is an optimization method with sequential quadratic programming (SQP), and the other uses differential kinematics with a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control algorithm. The strengths and weaknesses of each algorithm are discussed.
Electricity Evaluation and Emission Characteristics of Poultry Litter Co-Combustion Process
Authors: Qian Xuejun , Lee Seong , Chandrasekaran Raghul , Yang Yulai , Caballes Marc , Alamu Oludayo , Chen Guangming
Published: October 2019

Electricity generation and emission characteristics during the poultry litter and natural gas co-combustion process has rarely been studied. In this study, a Stirling engine was successfully integrated into the existing lab-scale swirling fluidized bed combustion system in order to further investigate the poultry litter and natural gas co-combustion process. Electricity, gaseous emissions, particulate matter (PM), and fly ash composition were analyzed under various operating conditions. Results indicated that the electricity reached 905 W under a water flow rate of 13.1 L/min and an engine head temperature of 584 °C. It was found that excess air (EA) ratios between 0.79 and 1.08 can relatively produce more electricity with lower emissions. At a secondary air (SA) height of 850 mm, secondary air/total air (SA/TA) ratios between 0.22 and 0.44 may significantly reduce NOx and CO emissions. By increasing the mixing ratio (MR), SO2 was reduced while NOx increased at the beginning of co-combustion process but then decreased again. Additionally, PM results were lower than Maryland emissions standards. The fly ash results showed a higher nutrient content (close to 16%). This study shows the possibility of using poultry litter as a sustainable energy source for energy production while emitting lower emissions in the small decentralized combustion system.
Solar UV Radiation in Saint-Denis, La Réunion and Cape Town, South Africa: 10 years Climatology and Human Exposure Assessment at Altitude
Authors: Cadet Jean-Maurice , Bencherif Hassan , du Preez David J. , Portafaix Thierry , Sultan-Bichat Nathalie , Belus Matthias , Brogniez Colette , Auriol Frederique , Metzger Jean-Marc , Ncongwane Katlego , Coetzee Gerrie J. R. , Wright Caradee Y.
Published: October 2019

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) monitoring is important since it depends on several atmospheric parameters which are associated with climate change and since excess solar UVR exposure and has significant impacts on human health and wellbeing. The objective of this study was to investigate the trends in solar UVR during a decade (2009–2018) in Saint-Denis, Reunion Island (20.9°S, 55.5°E, 85 m ASL) and Cape Town, South Africa (33.97°S, 18.6°E, 42 m ASL). This comparison was done using total daily erythema exposure as derived from UVR sensors continuously at both sites. Climatology over the 10-year period showed extreme UVR exposure for both sites. Slight changes with opposite trends were found, +3.6% at Saint-Denis and −3.7% at Cape Town. However, these two sites often experience extreme weather conditions thereby making the trend evaluation difficult. Human exposure assessment was performed for hiking activities at two popular high-altitude hiking trails on the Maïdo–Grand Bénare (Reunion) and Table Mountain (Cape Town) with a handheld radiometer. Extreme exposure doses of 64 SED and 40 SED (Standard Erythemal Dose, 1 SED = 100 J.m−2) were recorded, respectively. These high exposure doses highlight the importance of raising public awareness on the risk related to excess UVR exposure at tourist sites, especially those at high altitude.
Corrections: Kim, T.; et al. Some Identities for Euler and Bernoulli Polynomials and Their Zeros. Axioms 2018, 7, 56
Authors: Kim Taekyun , Ryoo Cheon Seoung
Published: October 2019

The authors, Kim and Ryoo in [1], studied Euler polynomials and Bernoulli polynomials with an extended variable to a complex variable, replacing real variable x by complex variable x + i y , and achieved several useful identities and properties [...]
A Kotas-Style Characterisation of Minimal Discussive Logic
Authors: Mruczek-Nasieniewska Krystyna , Nasieniewski Marek
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we discuss a version of discussive logic determined by a certain variant of Jaśkowski’s original model of discussion. The obtained system can be treated as the minimal discussive logic. It is determined by frames with serial accessibility relation. As the smallest one, this logic can be treated as a basis which could be extended to richer discussive logics that are obtained by varying accessibility relation and resulting in a lattice of discussive logics. One has to remember that while formulating discussive logics there is no one-to-one determination of discussive logics by modal logics. For example, it is proved that Jaśkowski’s logic D 2 can be expressed by other than S 5 modal logics. In this paper we consider a deductive system for the sketchily described minimal logic. While formulating the deductive system, we apply a method of Kotas that was used to axiomatize D 2 . The obtained system determines a logic D 0 as a set of theses that is contained in D 2 . Moreover, any discussive logic that would be expressed by means of the provided model of discussion would contain D 0 , so it is the smallest discussive logic.
Practical Implementation of the Indoor Environmental Quality Model for the Assessment of Nearly Zero Energy Single-Family Building
Authors: Piasecki Michał
Published: October 2019

The article presents a practical implementation of the indoor quality model. The indoor environmental quality (IEQ) model, including its essential elements (TCindex—thermal comfort, IAQindex—indoor air quality, ACcindex—acoustic comfort and Lindex—daylight quality), is used to evaluate a case-study single-family building built with the nearly zero energy (NZEB) standard. The results of comfort sub-indices based on the measured indoor parameters are aggregated into one IEQindex value representing the predicted building occupants’ satisfaction in percentage terms. The author’s intention is to use the proposed model in broader civil and environmental engineering practice, especially in terms of supporting the energy performance certification. The results obtained using the IEQ model were also compared with the results obtained with a similar method based on the comprehensive assessment system for built environment efficiency (CASBEE) approach for the same building.
Epigenetic Mechanisms of Escape from BRAF Oncogene Dependency
Authors: Khaliq Mehwish , Fallahi-Sichani Mohammad
Published: October 2019

About eight percent of all human tumors (including 50% of melanomas) carry gain-of-function mutations in the BRAF oncogene. Mutated BRAF and subsequent hyperactivation of the MAPK signaling pathway has motivated the use of MAPK-targeted therapies for these tumors. Despite great promise, however, MAPK-targeted therapies in BRAF-mutant tumors are limited by the emergence of drug resistance. Mechanisms of resistance include genetic, non-genetic and epigenetic alterations. Epigenetic plasticity, often modulated by histone-modifying enzymes and gene regulation, can influence a tumor cell’s BRAF dependency and therefore, response to therapy. In this review, focusing primarily on class 1 BRAF-mutant cells, we will highlight recent work on the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms to inter- and intratumor cell heterogeneity in MAPK-targeted therapy response.
Development of New High-Performance Biphenyl and Terphenyl Derivatives as Versatile Photoredox Photoinitiating Systems and Their Applications in 3D Printing Photopolymerization Processes
Authors: Tomal Wiktoria , Pilch Maciej , Chachaj-Brekiesz Anna , Ortyl Joanna
Published: October 2019

Novel 2-amino-4-methyl-6-phenyl-benzene-1,3-dicarbonitrile derivatives were proposed as photosensitizes of iodonium salt for a highly effective bimolecular photoinitiating system upon soft irradiation conditions under long-wave ultraviolet (UV-A) and visible light. Remarkably, these structures are highly versatile, allowing access to photoinitiating systems for the free-radical polymerization of acrylates, the cationic photopolymerization of epoxides, glycidyl, and vinyl ethers, the synthesis of interpenetrated polymer networks (IPNs) and the thiol-ene photopolymerization processes. Excellent polymerization profiles for all of the monomers, along with the high final conversions, were obtained. The initiation mechanisms of these bimolecular systems based on the 2-amino-4-methyl-6-phenyl-benzene-1,3-dicarbonitrile derivatives were investigated using the real-time FT-IR technique, steady-state photolysis, fluorescence experiments, theoretical calculations of molecular orbitals, and electrochemical analysis. Moreover, the 2-amino-4-methyl-6-phenyl-benzene-1,3-dicarbonitrile derivatives were investigated as a type II free-radical photoinitiator with amine. It was confirmed that the 2-amino-4-methyl-6-phenyl-benzene-1,3-dicarbonitrile derivatives, in combination with different types of additives, e.g., amine as co-initiator or in the presence of onium salt, can act as a bimolecular photoinitiating system via the photo-reduction or photo-oxidation pathways, respectively.
Comparative Analysis and Biochemical Characterization of Two Endo-β-1,3-Glucanases from the Thermophilic Bacterium Fervidobacterium sp.
Authors: Burkhardt Christin , Schäfers Christian , Claren Jörg , Schirrmacher Georg , Antranikian Garabed
Published: October 2019

Laminarinases exhibit potential in a wide range of industrial applications including the production of biofuels and pharmaceuticals. In this study, we present the genetic and biochemical characteristics of FLamA and FLamB, two laminarinases derived from a metagenomic sample from a hot spring in the Azores. Sequence comparison revealed that both genes had high similarities to genes from Fervidobacterium nodosum Rt17-B1. The two proteins showed sequence similarities of 62% to each other and belong to the glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 16. For biochemical characterization, both laminarinases were heterologously produced in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. FLamA and FLamB exhibited similar properties and both showed highest activity towards laminarin at 90 °C and pH 6.5. The two enzymes were thermostable but differed in their half-life at 80 °C with 5 h and 1 h for FLamA and FLamB, respectively. In contrast to other laminarinases, both enzymes prefer β-1,3-glucans and mixed-linked glucans as substrates. However, FLamA and FLamB differ in their catalytic efficiency towards laminarin. Structure predictions were made and showed minor differences particularly in a kink adjacent to the active site cleft. The high specific activities and resistance to elevated temperatures and various additives make both enzymes suitable candidates for application in biomass conversion.
Alterations of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Diversity in Soil with Elevation in Tropical Forests of China
Authors: Shi Zhaoyong , Yin Kejing , Wang Fayuan , Mickan Bede S. , Wang Xugang , Zhou Wenli , Li Yajuan
Published: October 2019

Mycorrhizas play a vital role in ecosystem function, diversity and productivity. However, mycorrhizas in tropical forests are considered to be a neglected area of research in contrast to the well-studied diversity patterns of macro organisms. To this end, soil samples from 0 to 30 cm in depth were collected from six or four elevations in a typical tropical forest of Mt. Jianfeng and Mt. Diaoluo in China. The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) diversity and community composition were explored among different elevations based on high-throughput barcoded sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Environmental variables of soil characteristics, and elevation on AMF community assembly were analyzed using canonical correspondence analysis. In total, 316 AMF operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were found to belong to four identified and one unclassified order, and Glomus was the most dominant genus in tropical forest. AMF communities or diversity did not clearly reflect local environmental conditions, the spatial distance between mountains and elevation. In total, 68% and 56% of taxa of AMF were observed on multiple elevations in Mt. Jianfeng and Mt. Diaoluo, respectively. Furthermore, 8.9% and 19% of OTUs were exhibited on all elevations in Mt. Jianfeng and Mt. Diaoluo, respectively. The AMF alpha diversity, richness and evenness were similar across the two surveyed tropical mountains. The influence of elevation showed no distinct role on the diversity of AMF taxa. Overall, AMF communities and diversity are abundant in tropical forests and with little influence of elevation in tropical forests of China.
Contrasting Patterns of Pomacea maculata Establishment and Dispersal in an Everglades Wetland Unit and a Central Florida Lake
Authors: Gutierre Silvia M. M. , Darby Philip C. , Valentine-Darby Patricia L. , Mellow David J. , Therrien Michel , Watford Miranda
Published: October 2019

The spread of non-native species raises concerns about native species displacement, while other negative effects on native species (e.g., habitat degradation) should also be considered. The highly invasive non-native apple snail Pomacea maculata has raised such concerns as it has become established in a wide range of aquatic systems worldwide. While monitoring native Florida P. paludosa populations in Lake Tohopekaliga (LTOHO) from 2001 to 2009 and in Water Conservation Area 3A (WCA3A, Everglades) from 2006 to 2015, we opportunistically documented the establishment and distribution of P. maculata. We estimated snail densities and recorded egg cluster presence in three study sites (12 total plots, LTOHO) and 137 sites (WCA3). On LTOHO, native snails were absent or at very low densities prior to finding P. maculata. Few snails of either species were found in high-stem-density vegetation of the littoral zone. Pomacea maculata immigration into the littoral zone occurred following managed vegetation removal, and Hydrilla verticillata proliferation in LTOHO likely contributed to the spread of P. maculata. We found both native and non-native apple snail species in many WCA3A sites following P. maculata invasion. We initially found the non-native snail in two sites in southern WCA3A; they were mostly restricted to within three kilometers of initial sites over the next four years. Overall plant community compositions in LTOHO and WCA3A appeared less impacted than expected based on previous reports of P. maculata invasions.
A Pervasive Healthcare System for COPD Patients
Authors: Ajami Hicham , Mcheick Hamid , Mustapha Karam
Published: October 2019

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most severe public health problems worldwide. Pervasive computing technology creates a new opportunity to redesign the traditional pattern of medical system. While many pervasive healthcare systems are currently found in the literature, there is little published research on the effectiveness of these paradigms in the medical context. This paper designs and validates a rule-based ontology framework for COPD patients. Unlike conventional systems, this work presents a new vision of telemedicine and remote care solutions that will promote individual self-management and autonomy for COPD patients through an advanced decision-making technique. Rules accuracy estimates were 89% for monitoring vital signs, and environmental factors, and 87% for nutrition facts, and physical activities.
Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone in the Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Association with Clinical Symptoms
Authors: Ahmed Nada , Batarfi Asma A. , Bajouh Osama S. , Bakhashab Sherin
Published: October 2019

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent endocrine diseases affecting women of reproductive age. The pathogeny of PCOS is still not completely understood, but one contributing factor that has been proposed is anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). There is currently no clear correlation between levels of AMH and incidence of PCOS in Saudi Arabian patients. The goal of this study was to determine the threshold of AMH and correlate it with PCOS clinical features to facilitate a proper diagnosis for PCOS. In this case-control study, we recruited 79 PCOS women and 69 normal ovulatory women; PCOS patients were diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criterion. On days 2–4 of the menstrual cycle, transvaginal/abdominal ultrasound was performed and serum levels of AMH, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured for all participants. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the AMH diagnostic cut-off at 3.19 ng/mL, with 72% sensitivity and 70% specificity; AMH > 3.19 ng/mL was significantly correlated with PCOS. High AMH levels were correlated with age at menarche, polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM), and oligo/amenorrhea. Serum AMH is a promising diagnostic marker of ovarian dysfunction in PCOS patients especially in cases in which the evaluation of PCOM was complicated.
Self-Reported Changes in Oral Hygiene Habits among Adolescents Receiving Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Petrauskiene Sandra , Wanczewska Natalia , Slabsinskiene Egle , Zemgulyte Gintare
Published: October 2019

The prevalence of malocclusion and a need for orthodontic treatment is high. Orthodontic appliances increase biofilm accumulation by expanding plaque retention sites. The aim of this study was to investigate the self-reported changes in oral hygiene habits among adolescents receiving orthodontic treatment. A cross-sectional study of 291 patients aged 10–17 years (mean (M) = 12.98; standard deviation (SD) = 2.36) was conducted in the Department of Orthodontics, Lithuanian University of Medical Sciences (LSMU) Hospital (Kaunas, Lithuania) during the fall semester (October–January) of the 2017/2018 study year. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire covered background information, experience of orthodontic treatment, oral hygiene habits and the seeking of professional dental care. Statistical data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. To establish relationships between categorical variables, Chi-squared tests (χ2) were used. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was set to indicate statistically significant difference. The univariate logistic regression analysis evaluated the probability of an event given a certain risk indicator, including odds ratio (OR) and its confidence interval (95% CI). Associations were found between the usage of auxiliary measures (OR = 1.797 (1.118–2.887), p = 0.015), tongue cleaning (OR = 1.712 (1.059–2.767), p = 0.028), mouth rinsing after meals (OR = 1.707 (1.048–2.781), p = 0.032) and experience of orthodontic treatment, respectively. More orthodontic patients underwent professional oral hygiene regularly than non-orthodontic patients (p = 0.024). More patients with fixed orthodontic appliances reported significantly changed oral hygiene habits, while more orthodontic patients with removable appliances did not change their oral hygiene habits.
ATP-Dependent Diffusion Entropy and Homogeneity in Living Cells
Authors: Wohl Ishay , Sherman Eilon
Published: October 2019

Intracellular dynamics is highly complex, and includes diffusion of poly-dispersed objects in a non-homogeneous, out-of-equilibrium medium. Assuming non-equilibrium steady-state, we developed a framework that relates non-equilibrium fluctuations to diffusion, and generalized entropy in cells. We employed imaging of live Jurkat T cells, and showed that active cells have higher diffusion parameters (Kα and α) and entropy relative to the same cells after ATP depletion. Kα and α were related in ATP-depleted cells while this relation was not apparent in untreated cells, probably due to non-equilibrium applied work. Next we evaluated the effect of intracellular diffusion and entropy on the cell content homogeneity, which was displayed by the extent of its liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS). Correlations between intracellular diffusion parameters, entropy and cell homogeneity could be demonstrated only in active cells while these correlations disappeared after ATP depletion. We conclude that non-equilibrium contributions to diffusivity and entropy by ATP-dependent mechanical work allow cells to control their content homogeneity and LLPS state. Such understanding may enable better intervention in extreme LLPS conditions associated with various cell malignancies and degenerative diseases.
Multi-Source Reliable Multicast Routing with QoS Constraints of NFV in Edge Computing
Authors: He Shiming , Xie Kun , Zhou Xuhui , Semong Thabo , Wang Jin
Published: October 2019

Edge Computing (EC) allows processing to take place near the user, hence ensuring scalability and low latency. Network Function Virtualization (NFV) provides the significant convenience of network layout and reduces the service operation cost in EC and data center. Nowadays, the interests of the NFV layout focus on one-to-one communication, which is costly when applied to multicast or group services directly. Furthermore, many artificial intelligence applications and services of cloud and EC are generally communicated through groups and have special Quality of Service (QoS) and reliable requirements. Therefore, we are devoted to the problem of reliable Virtual Network Function (VNF) layout with various deployment costs in multi-source multicast. To guarantee QoS, we take into account the bandwidth, latency, and reliability constraints. Additionally, a heuristic algorithm, named Multi-Source Reliable Multicast Tree Construction (RMTC), is proposed. The algorithm aims to find a common link to place the Service Function Chain (SFC) in the multilevel overlay directed (MOD) network of the original network, so that the deployed SFC can be shared by all users, thereby improving the resource utilization. We then constructed a Steiner tree to find the reliable multicast tree. Two real topologies are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm. Simulation results indicate that, compared to other heuristic algorithms, our scheme effectively reduces the cost of reliable services and satisfies the QoS requirements.
A Novel Rotor Eddy Current Loss Estimation Method for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines with Small Inductance and a Conductive Rotor Sleeve
Authors: Pei Le , Li Liyi , Guo Qingbo , Yang Rui , Du Pengcheng
Published: October 2019

Typically, permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) with small inductance can achieve a higher power density and higher power factor. Thus, in many industrial applications, more and more PMSMs are being designed with small inductance. Compared with traditional PMSMs, current harmonics in small inductance PMSMs are much more abundant, and the amplitudes are usually high. These current harmonics will cause large eddy current losses (ECLs) on the rotor, making the estimation of ECLs necessary in the design stage. Currently, ECL estimation methods are usually based on frequency order information, which cannot tell the travelling direction of the harmonic magneto-wave, resulting in the inaccuracy of the estimation. This article proposes a novel estimation method based on the mechanism of the formation of space-vector pulse width modulation (PWM), which considers both the frequency order and travelling direction of the harmonic wave, resulting in the improvement of the accuracy. Besides this, by using double Fourier analysis (DFA) instead of traditional fast Fourier analysis (FFA), the predicted frequencies of the current harmonics are more accurate and free of the troubles caused by traditional FFA-based methods. Simulation study and experiments are conducted to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Improving the Hybrid Electromagnetic Clamping System by Reducing the Leakage Flux and Enhancing the Effective Flux
Authors: Baek Soo-Whang , Yoon Keun-Young
Published: October 2019

In most industrial fields, mechanical clamping methods are traditionally used to transport heavy loads such as steel structures by fastening the load using bolts and nuts. However, this method can lead to industrial accidents during load transfer and does not consider the weight of the load. Recently, permanent magnet clamping methods have been proposed to prevent such accidents; for example, hybrid electromagnetic clamping systems (H-EMCSs), which combine permanent magnets and electromagnets and can adjust the clamping force according to the load weight. However, few studies have attempted to improve the electromagnetic structure and effective magnetic flux of H-EMCS. Specifically, H-EMCSs control the clamping force using several hybrid electromagnetic modules (H-EMMs); however, the leakage magnetic flux increases with an increasing number of H-EMMs. Therefore, the clamping force should be improved to avoid increasing the leakage magnetic flux. In this study, we propose a novel H-EMM structure and improve its electromagnetic force characteristics by changing the core shape and dimension effect in order to reduce the leakage flux and maximize the effective magnetic flux. Furthermore, we verify the improved electromagnetic force properties by experimentally validating the proposed model. This research can improve the safe and effective transfer of industrial loads.
Comparison Study on Photo-Thermal Energy Conversion Performance of Functionalized and Non-Functionalized MWCNT Nanofluid
Authors: Boldoo Tsogtbilegt , Ham Jeonggyun , Cho Honghyun
Published: October 2019

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have attracted attention from researchers because of their superior thermal properties and high optical absorption. In this investigation, the thermal and optical properties of functionalized and nonfunctionalized MWCNT nanofluid based on ethylene glycol/water were experimentally studied and compared. The results indicated that the use of the functionalized MWCNT nanofluid improved the thermal properties and optical absorption performance compared with the nonfunctionalized MWCNT nanofluid. The thermal conductivity enhancement of the functionalized MWCNT nanofluid was higher than that of the nonfunctionalized MWCNT nanofluid. The maximum thermal conductivity enhancement (10.15%) was observed in a functionalized MWCNT concentration of 0.01 wt% at 50 °C compared with the base fluid. In addition, the photo-thermal energy conversion efficiency of the functionalized MWCNT nanofluid was higher than that of the nonfunctionalized one owing to its higher light absorption and thermal conductivity.
The Sedimentary Origin of Black and White Banded Cherts of the Buck Reef, Barberton, South Africa
Authors: Ledevin Morgane , Arndt Nicholas , Chauvel Catherine , Jaillard Etienne , Simionovici Alexandre
Published: October 2019

The Buck Reef is a 250–400 m thick sequence of banded black and white (B&W) cherts deposited ca. 3416 Ma ago in a shallow basin. We provide field, petrological and geochemical constraints on the chert-forming process and the origin of the banding. White layers consist of nearly pure microquartz, while black layers are mixed with detrital carbonaceous matter, quartz grains and carbonaceous microlaminae, interpreted as remnants of microbial mats. The circulation of Si-rich fluid is recorded by abundant chert veins and pervasive silicification. However, the high purity of the white layers, their lack of internal structures and extremely low Al, Ti and high-field-strength elements preclude an origin by silicification of sedimentary or volcanic precursors. Moreover, their reworking at the surface into slab conglomerates, and sediment-like contacts with black layers rule out a diagenetic origin. We propose a new model whereby the white layers were periodically deposited as precipitates of pure silica; and the micro-layering within the black layers formed by annual temperature fluctuations, favouring microbial activity in summer and inorganic silica precipitation in winter. Outcrop-scale alternation of B&W layers was associated with major, thousand-year-long climate events: white cherts represent massive silica precipitation resulting from changes in ocean circulation and temperature during cold intervals.
“The Dop System of Alcohol Distribution is Dead, but It’s Legacy Lives On….”
Authors: May Philip , Marais Anna-Susan , De Vries Marlene , Hasken Julie , Stegall Julie , Hedrick Dixie , Snell Cudore , Seedat Soraya , Parry Charles
Published: October 2019

Objective: Determine the prevalence of Dop, a system of labor payment via alcoholic beverages, in a South African province, and its influence on maternal drinking and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Methods: Data from studies of FASD epidemiology were analyzed. Results: Forty-two percent to 67% of mothers reported drinking. In 1999, 5% of women reported Dop allocations in their lifetime: 14% of mothers of FASD children and 1% of controls. In 2010, 1.1% of mothers reported lifetime Dop: 1.6% of FASD mothers and 0.7% of controls. Commercial alcohol sales have replaced the Dop system. Total FASD rates remained high in rural areas in 2010 and rose in urban settings. Urban rates of total FASD surpassed rural area rates in 2010. Correlation analysis did not reveal a strong or significant, direct relationship between Dop experience and heavy drinking (r = 0.123, p < 0.001, r2 = 0.015), or the diagnosis of FASD in children (OR = 0.003, p = 0.183). Conclusion: Dop, as a systematic practice, is dead and does not have a direct influence on alcohol availability, heavy maternal drinking, or the probability of an FASD diagnosis. Nevertheless, today’s problematic drinking patterns were heavily influenced (shaped) by Dop and have negatively impacted the prevalence and severity of FASD.
Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Related to Metabolic Syndrome in College Students: A Cross-Sectional Secondary Data Analysis
Authors: Jang Insil , Kim Ji-Su
Published: October 2019

Early detection of metabolic syndrome (MS) in young adults can lead to decreased aggravation and help prevent diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of MS and its components in Korean college students and was based on the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which used a stratified multistage probability sampling design. In total, 6.5% male and 4.1% female students had MS; of these, 26.6% of male and 25.8% of female students presented with at least one MS component. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly higher in men than in women, and all of these variables showed significant differences according to BMI. As the BMI increased, the level of each anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical variable increased. Although only a few students in Korea had three or more risk factors, the proportion of college students with one risk factor for MS was relatively high. Therefore, educational and intervention programs should be conducted in college students with overweight or obesity so that they can change their lifestyle to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Effect of Imitation Phenomenon on Two-Lane Traffic Safety in Fog Weather
Authors: Tan Jinhua , Gong Li , Qin Xuqian
Published: October 2019

A neighboring lane’s vehicles are potentially important influence factors of traffic safety. In fog weather, drivers will automatically imitate the behaviors demonstrated by other vehicles in the neighboring lane. To illustrate the effect of the imitation phenomenon on traffic safety, this paper develops an extended two-lane car-following model in fog weather. Numerical simulations are carried out to study the effect of imitation on multiple-vehicle collision induced by a sudden stop, as well as perturbation propagation when a small perturbation is added to the uniform traffic flow. The results indicate that the number of collisions depends on the influence coefficient of neighboring lane’s vehicles, sensitivity, headway and initial velocity. Furthermore, the number of crumpled vehicles decreases when the imitation phenomenon is taken into account. In addition, lower vehicular velocity in the neighboring lane can reduce the magnitude of acceleration and fluctuation of headway. The perturbation can be absorbed under certain given conditions regarding the imitation phenomenon. Therefore, traffic safety can be improved by considering the effect of the imitation phenomenon on two-lane traffic flow in fog weather. The findings in this study can provide a theoretical reference for the development of multi-lane intermittent release measures in fog weather.
The Laws of Motion of the Broker Call Rate in the United States
Authors: Garivaltis Alex
Published: October 2019

In this paper, which is the third installment of the author’s trilogy on margin loan pricing, we analyze 1367 monthly observations of the U.S. broker call money rate, e.g., the interest rate at which stockbrokers can borrow to fund their margin loans to retail clients. We describe the basic features and mean-reverting behavior of this series and juxtapose the empirically-derived laws of motion with the author’s prior theories of margin loan pricing (Garivaltis 2019a, 2019b). This allows us to derive stochastic differential equations that govern the evolution of the margin loan interest rate and the leverage ratios of sophisticated brokerage clients (namely, continuous-time Kelly gamblers). Finally, we apply Merton’s (1974) arbitrage theory of corporate liability pricing to study theoretical constraints on the risk premia that could be generated in the market for call money. Apparently, if there is no arbitrage in the U.S. financial markets, the implication is that the total volume of call loans must constitute north of 70 % of the value of all leveraged portfolios.
Stock Price Forecast Accuracy and Recommendation Profitability of Financial Magazines
Authors: Tiberius Victor , Lisiecki Laura
Published: October 2019

In this study, we analyze the forecast accuracy and profitability of buy recommendations published in five major German financial magazines for private households based on fundamental analysis. The results show a high average forecast accuracy but with a very high standard deviation, which indicates poor forecast accuracy with regard to individual stocks. The recommendation profitability slightly exceeds the performance of the MSCI World index. Considering the involved risk, which is represented by a high standard deviation, the excess returns appear to be insufficient.