bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medication adherence of rheumatic heart disease patients: a cross-sectional study in Bangladesh
Authors: Wahab Abrar , Islam Md Mahabub Ul , Laboni Mehbuba Mehnoor , Fatema Anisa , Renesa Abeda Saleha , Alam Mohammad Morshad
Published: November 2019

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a significant public health problem and Non-adherence to treatment is an important and often unrecognized risk factor for cardiovascular mortality. The study aimed to assess self-reported medication adherence by 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) among rheumatic heart disease patients and determine the associated factors. A cross-sectional study was carried out by applying a structured interview to Rheumatic heart disease patients aged 18 or higher in a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh. Among Rheumatic heart disease patients, 63.5% showed medium adherence, 36.5% showed low adherence to medication. Walking habit (P= 0.000), exercise habit (P=0.000), smoking habit (P=0.000), and duration of RHD (P=0.005) found significantly associated with medication adherence. Multiple logistic regression analysis also revealed, don't have walking habit more than 10 minutes at a time (AOR=2.416, 95% CI: 1.212-4.816), don't having exercise habit (AOR=2.420, 95% CI: 1.206 – 4.859), don't having habit of smoking (AOR=0.392, 95% CI: 0.183 – 0.841), duration of RHD for less than 15 (AOR=4.190, 95% CI: 0.851 – 20.631) are independent predictors of adherence. Our study demonstrated medium to low medication adherence in the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale among rheumatic heart disease patients.

Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2019, 5(3): 186-191
Design and Implementation of a Constant Tension Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (CT-MUAC) device for improved detection of malnutrition in children
Authors: Alam Md Moiful , Haque Rashida , Rabbani K Siddique E
Published: November 2019

Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is an important indicator of the nutritional index, particularly of children in low resource countries of the world. It is a significant anthropometric tool with simple cut-off values which is easy to implement in large scale screening measurements. A conventional MUAC device is essentially an insertion strap and has many merits over other anthropometric measurements techniques, but a lack of reproducibility in measurements is its leading problem since the measurement depends on how strongly a person pulls the strap around an arm of the subject. The aim of the present study is to minimize this reproducibility problem. For this the existing MUAC device has been modified using a short length of an elastic band to provide a constant tension while measuring, making it a Constant Tension MUAC device. Using both the MUAC devices (conventional and CT-MUAC), data were collected from seven subjects by 70 observers (10 observers measuring one subject). Statistical analyses showed that the CT-MUAC device gives a significant improvement with less variability over the conventional device. Thus, the new CT-MUAC device has the potential for improved detection of malnutrition throughout the world.

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Physics Vol.11 No.1 2018 P 26-37
Use of views and ways of construction of perspective images by students of specialization «Architecture of buildings and structures»
Authors: Sуdorova Natalia
Published: November 2019

The section of descriptive geometry «Perspective» is one of the main subjects in the preparation of students of specialization in «Architecture of buildings and structures». The modern architect needs to know all the subtleties of urban planning, landscape architecture, bulk design, design of small architectural forms, as well as interior
design for the successful realization of creative potential and aesthetic perception. A complete picture of the expressive space gives an image constructed according to the rules of the perspective. Modern techniques and methods of visualization on the plane of space-spatial compositions appeared as a result of a long period of their development and perfection. The discovery of precise laws for the construction of a perspective has allowed architects, artists, and designers to more accurately depict on the plane the forms of the visible world.
In modern practice it is impossible creation of interiors, articles of way of life without visualization and using of evident image. The complete picture of expressive space (interior, landscape, design) gives an image that is built on the rules of prospect. Proper use of the types and methods of perspective images, drawings of axonometric
projections provide the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained to graphically interpret the solution of various tasks in various fields of activity and in many sciences. Using the laws of perspective allows you to enhance the expressiveness of the space, identify and emphasize its depth, or, conversely, visually reduce.
Using perspective views is not limited to images on the plane (painting, graphics, relief). It is found in architecture, scenography, landscape gardening.
The study of the «Perspective» section allows future professionals to create visual images that carry the maximum informative. And this can be achieved by applying different ways of constructing a perspective, depending on the geometric identity of the object and showing the kind of projected object from the real point of view taking
into account the features of visual perception.
Sacral rulers in pre-Christian Scandinavia: The possibilities of typological comparisons within the paradigm of cultural evolution
Authors: Nygaard Simon
Published: November 2019

This article offers a new perspective on the century-old discussion of sacral rulers in the history of religions generally, and pre-Christian Scandinavian religions specifically, namely the application of a cultural evolutionary theoretical framework based on the work of Robert N. Bellah. In doing this, the article opens the possibility of wider typological comparisons within this paradigm and suggests a nuancing of Bellah’s typology with the addition of the category of ‘chiefdom religion’. This is utilised in the main part of the article, which features a comparison between the figure of the sacral ruler in pre-Christian Scandinavian and pre-Christian Hawaiian religions through an analysis of: 1) the position of the ruler in society, cult, and ideology; 2) the societal structure in which these religions are found; 3) the idea of a ruler sacrifice; 4) incestuous relationships and their ideological implications; and, finally, 5) the idea of a double rulership. Following this comparison, the perspectives in and the usefulness of cultural evolutionary theories in the history of religions are briefly evaluated.
Spiritual Process in Lightprayer: A Network of New Religious Practice
Authors: Raunola Ilona
Published: November 2019

The article considers the conditions of spiritual process in the new-religious movement Lightprayer. Based on the analysis, it is argued that Lightprayer itself and the techniques involved can be seen as new-religious methods of self-awareness and experienced relationship to divinity. To approach the spiritual process I will draw upon the procedures of Bruno Latour’s Agency-Network-Theory. The ethnographic material concerning the Fire Ritual is interpreted from the perspective of ANT in two ways. First, I will examine the human and non-human terms of the spiritual process in the visible world. Second, I will apply the ANT reading also regarding the invisible world of inner religious experience and thus immaterial actors. In both case I will analyze and interpret field notes, photographs and interviews. The intensity of the spiritual process can be considered as a central characteristic in the analysis of the specific traits of religious activities and also the motivations for participating in them. The perspective of ANT foregrounds the contributions and roles of the human and non-human actors in the actualization of spiritual process in Lightprayer. At the same time the research surveys the meaning of spiritual process in general among new and traditional religiousness.
The Slava Celebration: A Private and a Public Matter
Authors: Hadzibulic Sabina
Published: November 2019

A family celebration named slava or krsna slava (celebration/glorification or christened celebration) is a unique custom within the tradition of the Serbian Orthodox Church, where each family annually celebrates its patron saint. Besides Christmas, slava represents one of the most important celebrations in the life of each family. Though its roots reach as far back as the medieval times, slava and its role in the family tradition were neglected and marginalized during the communist period of the Serbian history. With the revitalization of religion and especially the reaffirmation of the Serbian Orthodox Church at the end of the last century, slava regained its significance and recognition, and even exceeded the private family sphere. It is nowadays often used as an indicator of one’s nationality and status with little real connection to its authentic religious meaning and purpose. Additionally, this originally family custom has now become a celebration day for many public institutions, companies, and professional associations. This paper aims to present slava’s distinctive structure and features, as well as explore ways in which the transformation is related to the revitalization of religion and growing nationalism in transitional Serbian society.
Dreaming faith into being: Indigenous Evangelicals and co-acted experiences of the divine
Authors: Opas Minna
Published: November 2019

This article examines the role of socio-moral space in people’s experiences of divine presence. More specifically, it addresses the questions of how social others influence people’s experiences of God and Satan among the indigenous evangelical Yine people of Peruvian Amazonia, and the consequences these interactions have for the individual believer and the collectivity. For the Yine dreams are a privileged site of human encounter with other-than-human beings, and they also feature centrally in their Christian lives. It is in dreams that they interact with angels and sometimes with the devil. By examining Yine evangelical dreams as mimetic points of encounter involving not only the dreamer but also transcendent beings and fellow believers as active agents, the article shows that Yine experiences of God’s presence cannot be conceptualised as an individual matter, but are highly dependent on the social other: they come to be as co-acted experiences of the divine.
Sheepskins, hair shirts and tunics of palm leaves
Authors: Gilhus Ingvild Sælid
Published: November 2019

The theme is how authority is expressed in monastic clothes in late antiquity. The hypothesis is that different types of monastic garments speak to different types of authority, and that garments especially associated with charismatic authority came under scrutiny and criticism. The point of departure is Claudia Rapp’s tripartite explanatory model, which she uses to discuss the changing dynamics of authority in relation to Christian bishops. The focus in the present article is how monastic texts present charismatic authority by means of clothes. While a melote, sheepskin, tends to express a colonization of ascetic and charismatic authority, other items of clothing reflect charismatic authority more directly and untamed, such as the hair-shirt and the tunic of palm leaves.
Pagans, Nazis, Gaels, and the Algiz Rune
Authors: Dahmer Adam
Published: November 2019

Although Beltaners – members of Edinburgh’s Beltane Fire Society (BFS) – can trace the immediate origins of their society’s festivals to the collaborative efforts of anarchist performance artists and folklorists reacting against the Thatcherite government policies of the late 1980s, the ritual celebrations they routinely re-enact in the present ultimately derive from much older traditions associated with Scotland’s highly minoritised Gaelic-speaking population, a cohort to which few modern Beltaners belong. Performers at today’s festivals often incorporate runes into their regalia – a practice which does not reflect Gaelic tradition, but which is not unknown among ideologues of the far right. This paper interrogates rune use at BFS festivals, asking whether the employment of Germanic cultural elements in Celtic festivals by non-Celtic-speakers represents a distortion of history and debasement of an embattled ethnic minority, and whether it is ethically acceptable for an explicitly anti-racist organisation to share a symbolic repertoire with representatives of known hate groups. Based on data derived from fieldwork consisting chiefly of participant observation and on the consultation of relevant academic literature, this paper evaluates the potentially problematic nature of BFS ritual performers’ rune use and related behaviours by analysing the intentions that underlie their actions, the consequences that have resulted from them, and the historical interaction of runes, ethnonationalism, and the occult that has shaped perceptions of runic meaning among those who use runes in modern times.
Problems of Diagnostics of Measles and Rubella in Kyrgyzstan at the Present Stage
Authors: Chechetova S. , Dzholbunova Z. , Kadyrov R. , Uzakbaeva A.
Published: November 2019

The analysis of the epidemiological situation of measles in the Kyrgyz Republic was conducted, against the background of a decrease in the possibility of using laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis of measles, which negatively affects the timely conduct of anti-epidemic measures to isolate patients and monitor contact. Among suspicious patients on measles the group of children at which strew is formed disappears in 1–2 days and the measles diagnosis is excluded without laboratory inspection. Most often they stop with a diagnosis of ARI, an allergic rash, and patients are discharged home. In this group, a retrospective blood test was performed in 20 patients with rubella ELISA, which made it possible to identify this infection in 10 patients. During the period of the epidemic rise in measles, there is an increase in the incidence among children and rubella, so children suspicious for measles should also be examined for rubella.
Malignant Neoplasms as the Most Priority Medical and Social Issue of the Healthcare System
Authors: Vaninov A.
Published: November 2019

The article provides literature data on the trends of malignant neoplasms not only in the world but also in the Kyrgyz Republic. Malignant neoplasms are a global problem in public health, occupy a leading place for the causes of mortality. In 2018, more than 18 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed worldwide, more than 9.6 million people died, and the total number of patients increased to 43 million. According to forecasts, by 2030, the number of new cases of cancer will increase to 26.4 million per year, and the number of deaths — up to 17 million. The epidemiological situation of cancer remains unfavorable, both in Russia and around the world. In the Russian Federation, there is an increase in cancer incidence from 363.0 in 2010 to 425.3 in 2018 per 100,000 population. Moreover, the growth trend is observed in all regions of the country. In the Kyrgyz Republic, the incidence of malignant neoplasms increased from 83.1 in 2010 to 90.3 per 100,000 of the population in 2018. This indicator is growing in Chui, Naryn and Batken regions, as well as in Osh, and in other regions, there is a slight decrease in the indicator. In the structure of oncological morbidity, the first place is occupied by breast cancer (206‱), the second place — cancer of the cervix (153‱), and the third place — cancer of the stomach (117‱). It should be noted that in Russia for every 100 patients who died from malignant neoplasms, 10.7 were not registered. The mortality rate in the Kyrgyz Republic has somewhat stabilized, both in the republic as a whole and in individual regions, and in 2018 amounted to 56.3 per 100,000 of the population (56.4 in 2017). In the female population, 1st place is occupied by breast cancer — 605‱, 2nd place — by the cervix (153‱), 3rd place — by the stomach (71‱). One of the most common forms of malignant neoplasms of the organs of the reproductive system is cervical cancer, which takes 2nd place in frequency and 3rd place in mortality from cancer in women. The analysis of morbidity and mortality from malignant neoplasms in various countries showed that screening and early detection, as well as timely and effective treatment, are necessary to reduce mortality.
Creating the Main Bonitet Scale of the Gilgilchay Basin Soils
Authors: Aliyeva G.
Published: November 2019

The Gilgilchay basin has been characterized, and three ecological (agro-ecological) zones have been divided within the basin, and the soils have been grouped within zones: water catchment, transit, accumulative; standard soils have been selected in each zone and bonitet scores of soils have been found in comparison with them and the main bonitet scale has been created. While carrying out the bonitation of soils, humus, nitrogen, phosphorus and sum of absorbed bases have been taken as the value criteria.
High Connectivity of the White Seabream (Diplodus sargus, L. 1758) in the Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Exadactylos Athanasios , Vafidis Dimitrios , Tsigenopoulos Costas , Gkafas Georgios
Published: November 2019

Population dynamics in the marine realm can shape species’ spatial structure and genetic variability between given geographical areas. Connectivity is an important factor of species’ population structure. In this study, we examined the genetic diversity and structure of white seabream (Diplodus sargus, L. 1758) in the eastern Mediterranean basin, using a panel of four microsatellite markers. Recorded low FST values within the study area indicate little evidence of genetic differentiation among populations. Results suggest high gene flow which may imply near-panmixia between populations, indicating the possibility of a probable movement of adult migrants, or strong passive drift at sea in early life stages of the species. To this extent, bibliographically speaking, different species within the Sparidae family favor altered population dynamics patterns with respect to local populations and genetic divergence, in the context of the molecular marker used.
Procedure for the Screening of Eggs and Egg Products to Detect Oxolonic Acid, Ciprofloxacin, Enrofloxacin, and Sarafloxacin Using Micellar Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Peris-Vicente Juan , García-Ferrer Daniel , Mishra Pooja , Albiol-Chiva Jaume , Durgbanshi Abhilasha , Carda-Broch Samuel , Bose Devasish , Esteve-Romero Josep
Published: November 2019

A method based on micellar liquid chromatography was developed to determine oxolinic acid, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, and sarafloxacin in eggs and egg products. The antimicrobial drugs were obtained in a micellar solution which was directly injected. The analytes were resolved using a C18 column and a mobile phase of 0.05 M sodium dodecyl sulfate—7.5% 1-propanol—0.5% triethylamine, buffered at pH 3 with phosphate salt, running under the isocratic mode. The signal was monitored by fluorescence. Validation was successfully performed according to the EU Commission Decision 2002/657/EC in terms of specificity, calibration range (LOQ to 1 mg/kg), linearity (R2 > 0.9991), limit of detection and decision limit (0.01–0.05 mg/kg), limit of quantification (0.025–0.150 mg/kg), detection capability (<0.4 times decision limit), trueness (−14.2% to +9.8%), precision (<14.0%), robustness, and stability. The procedure was environmentally friendly, safe, easy-to-conduct, inexpensive, and had a high sample throughput, thus it is useful for routine analysis as a screening method in a laboratory for food residue control.
The Effect of Thiamine Concentration on the Antioxidative Activity Indices in Tea Extracts
Authors: Piechocka Justyna , Szymandera-Buszka Krystyna , Kobus-Cisowska Joanna , Gramza-Michałowska Anna , Jędrusek-Golińska Anna
Published: November 2019

The aim of the study was to determine correlations between the concentration of thiamine in systems and indicators of the antioxidative activity of ethanol tea extracts in the presence of soybean oil. Variability of the thiamine form was assumed by comparison of the influence of thiamine hydrochloride or thiamine pyrophosphate and fermentation of ethanol tea extracts. The study provides practical knowledge about the antioxidative activity of ethanol tea extracts in products containing fat and thiamine. The study showed that all tea extracts exhibited higher antioxidative activity in the presence of thiamine amounts of 0.1 and 0.8 mg/100 g. The antioxidative activity of ethanol tea extracts was significantly reduced when the concentrations were higher than the natural level for foods (over 1.0 mg/100 g). The systems containing white tea extract were the most vulnerable, whereas those with black tea were the least vulnerable. The presence of thiamine pyrophosphate in the system was more strongly correlated with reduced activity of the extracts than the presence of thiamine hydrochloride.
Measurement of the Near Field Distribution of a Microwave Horn Using a Resonant Atomic Probe
Authors: Bai Jingxu , Fan Jiabei , Hao Liping , Spong Nicholas L. R. , Jiao Yuechun , Zhao Jianming
Published: November 2019

We measure the near field distribution of a microwave horn with a resonant atomic probe. The microwave field emitted by a standard microwave horn is investigated utilizing Rydberg electromagnetically inducted transparency (EIT), an all-optical Rydberg detection, in a room temperature caesium vapor cell. The ground 6 S 1 / 2 , excited 6 P 3 / 2 , and Rydberg 56 D 5 / 2 states constitute a three-level system, used as an atomic probe to detect microwave electric fields by analyzing microwave dressed Autler–Townes (AT) splitting. We present a measurement of the electric field distribution of the microwave horn operating at 3.99 GHz in the near field, coupling the transition 56 D 5 / 2 → 57 P 3 / 2 . The microwave dressed AT spectrum reveals information on both the strength and polarization of the field emitted from the microwave horn simultaneously. The measurements are compared with field measurements obtained using a dipole metal probe, and with simulations of the electromagnetic simulated software (EMSS). The atomic probe measurement is in better agreement with the simulations than the metal probe. The deviation from the simulation of measurements taken with the atomic probe is smaller than the metal probe, improving by 1.6 dB. The symmetry of the amplitude distribution of the measured field is studied by comparing the measurements taken on either side of the field maxima.
Mechanistic Study of Phosphorus Adsorption onto Iron Z-A: Spectroscopic and Experimental Approach
Authors: Saifuddin Md , Kim Suho , Aziz Abdul , Kim Kwang Soo
Published: November 2019

Iron was incorporated into an LTA type zeolite using the sol-gel hydrothermal method to form Iron-zeolite-A (Iron-Z-A), and its phosphate adsorption-desorption efficiency were analyzed. Samples were characterized by EDS, SEM, XRD, EPR, FT-IR XPS, and Raman to ensure the apt synthesis of Iron-Z-A and to interpret the mechanism of adsorption-desorption of PO43− in an aqueous solution. EPR and XPS analysis confirmed that the iron was doped as Fe3+ in the LTA structure. The XPS peak shift (Fe-2p), FT-IR band shift, and intensity change (–OH) confirmed the existence of the ligand exchange mechanism. In the adsorption phase at pH 5, the derivative of phosphate (H2PO4−) acts as a ligand and interacts with OH of Fe on the zeolite surface to form “Iron-zeolite (oxy) hydroxide bound phosphate”. In the desorption phase at pH 10, phosphate ligand is detached and get mixed in the aqueous phase as HPO42−. The EDS data, Si–O–Al band shift and intensity change in FT-IR and XPS peak intensity change proved the contribution of Al in the process of adsorption. The data of adsorption fitted well with the Langmuir’s isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The amount of PO43− adsorbed was a function of adsorbent’s surface area regardless of concentration. The amount of PO43− being adsorbed by the metal ions was found to be 382.296 mg PO43−/g Fe and 56.296 mg PO43−/g Al.
Identification of Novel Markers of Prostate Cancer Progression, Potentially Modulated by Vitamin D
Authors: Caltabiano Rosario , Castrogiovanni Paola , Barbagallo Ignazio , Ravalli Silvia , Szychlinska Marta Anna , Favilla Vincenzo , Schiavo Luigi , Imbesi Rosa , Musumeci Giuseppe , Di Rosa Michelino
Published: November 2019

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers in men. The main risk factors associated with the disease include older age, family history of the disease, smoking, alcohol and race. Vitamin D is a pleiotropic hormone whose low levels are associated with several diseases and a risk of cancer. Here, we undertook microarray analysis in order to identify the genes involved in PCa. We analyzed three PCa microarray datasets, overlapped all genes significantly up-regulated, and subsequently intersected the common genes identified with the down-regulated genes transcriptome of LNCaP cells treated with 1α,25(OH)2D3, in order to identify the common genes involved in PCa and potentially modulated by Vitamin D. The analysis yielded 43 genes potentially involved in PCa and significantly modulated by Vitamin D. Noteworthy, our analysis showed that six genes (PRSS8, SOX4, SMYD2, MCCC2, CCNG2 and CD2AP) were significantly modulated. A Pearson correlation analysis showed that five genes out of six (SOX4 was independent), were statistically correlated with the gene expression levels of KLK3, and with the tumor percentage. From the outcome of our investigation, it is possible to conclude that the genes identified by our analysis are associated with the PCa and are potentially modulated by the Vitamin D.
Impacts of 1.5 and 2.0 °C Global Warming on Water Balance Components over Senegal in West Africa
Authors: Mbaye Mamadou Lamine , Sylla Mouhamadou Bamba , Tall Moustapha
Published: November 2019

This study assesses the changes in precipitation (P) and in evapotranspiration (ET) under 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C global warming levels (GWLs) over Senegal in West Africa. A set of twenty Regional Climate Model (RCM) simulations within the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) following the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 emission scenario is used. Annual and seasonal changes are computed between climate simulations under 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C warming, with respect to 0.5 °C warming, compared to pre-industrial levels. The results show that annual precipitation is likely to decrease under both magnitudes of warming; this decrease is also found during the main rainy season (July, August, September) only and is more pronounced under 2 °C warming. All reference evapotranspiration calculations, from Penman, Hamon, and Hargreaves formulations, show an increase in the future under the two GWLs, except annual Penman evapotranspiration under the 1.5 °C warming scenario. Furthermore, seasonal and annual water balances (P-ET) generally exhibit a water deficit. This water deficit (up to 180 mm) is more substantial with Penman and Hamon under 2 °C. In addition, analyses of changes in extreme precipitation reveal an increase in dry spells and a decrease in the number of wet days. However, Senegal may face a slight increase in very wet days (95th percentile), extremely wet days (99th), and rainfall intensity in the coming decades. Therefore, in the future, Senegal may experience a decline in precipitation, an increase of evapotranspiration, and a slight increase in heavy rainfall. Such changes could have serious consequences (e.g., drought, flood, etc.) for socioeconomic activities. Thus, strong governmental politics are needed to restrict the global mean temperature to avoid irreversible negative climate change impacts over the country. The findings of this study have contributed to a better understanding of local patterns of the Senegal hydroclimate under the two considered global warming scenarios.
Correction: Fujii, K. Pushover-Based Seismic Capacity Evaluation of Uto City Hall Damaged by the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. Buildings 2019, 9, 140
Authors: Fujii Kenji
Published: November 2019

It is very unfortunate that there are some errors in the nonlinear analysis program used for this published article [...]
Highly Selective pH-Dependent Ozonation of Cyclohexane over Mn/γ-Al2O3 Catalysts at Ambient Reaction Conditions
Authors: Mkhondwane Siphumelele Thandokwazi , Pullabhotla Viswanadha Srirama Rajasekhar
Published: November 2019

The selective oxidation of cyclohexane to a mixture of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone (KA oil) is one of the imperative reactions in industrial processes. In this study, the catalytic performance of manganese-supported gamma alumina (Mn/γ-Al2O3) catalysts is investigated in the selective oxidation of cyclohexane at ambient conditions using ozone. The catalysts were prepared by the wet impregnation method, and their physio-chemical properties were studied by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) spectroscopy, and Brunauer Emmett and Teller (BET). The reaction conditions were optimised considering various parameters such as reaction time, pH, and various percentages of the manganese supported in gamma alumina. The oxidation of cyclohexane was conducted in an impinger reactor unit at pH 3, 7, and 11 for 1 h of ozonation time. The aliquots were collected after 30 min and 1 h of ozonation time and analysed with GC-MS and FT-IR spectroscopy. The 2.5% Mn/γ-Al2O3 catalyst exhibited a significantly enhanced catalytic performance at pH 3 and 7 with a percentage conversion of 9% and 15% at pH 3 and 7, respectively, after 30 min of ozonation time. However, after 1 h of ozonation time, the percentage conversions were increased to 23% and 29% at pH 3 and 7, respectively. At pH 11, 5% Mn/γ-Al2O3 exhibit high catalytic performance with a percentage conversion of 19% and 31% after 30 minutes and 1 h of ozonation time, respectively. The percentage selectivity obtained is 100% toward KA oil and/or cyclohexanone depending on pH and reaction time.
Mechanical Properties of Strontium–Hardystonite–Gahnite Coating Formed by Atmospheric Plasma Spray
Authors: Pham Duy Quang , Berndt Christopher C. , Sadeghpour Ameneh , Zreiqat Hala , Wang Peng-Yuan , Ang Andrew S. M.
Published: November 2019

In this work, we measured the mechanical properties and tested the cell viability of a bioceramic coating, strontium–hardystonite–gahnite (Sr–HT–G, Sr–Ca2ZnSi2O7–ZnAl2O4), to evaluate potential use of this novel bioceramic for bone regeneration applications. The evaluation of Sr–HT–G coatings deposited via atmospheric plasma spray (APS) onto Ti–6Al–4V substrates have been contrasted to the properties of the well-known commercial standard coating of hydroxyapatite (HAp: Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2). The Sr–HT–G coating exhibited uniform distribution of hardness and elastic moduli across its cross-section; whereas the HAp coating presented large statistical variations of these distributions. The Sr–HT–G coating also revealed higher results of microhardness, nanohardness and elastic moduli than those shown for the HAp coating. The nanoscratch tests for the Sr–HT–G coating presented a low volume of material removal without high plastic deformation, while the HAp coating revealed ploughing behaviour with a large pileup of materials and plastic deformation along the scratch direction. Furthermore, nanoscanning wear tests indicated that Sr–HT–G had a lower wear volume than the HAp coating. The Sr–HT–G coating had slightly higher cell attachment density and spreading area compared to the HAp coating indicating that both coatings have good biocompatibility for bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).
Prefrontal Asymmetry during Cognitive Tasks and Its Relationship with Suicide Ideation in Major Depressive Disorder: An fNIRS Study
Authors: Baik Seung Yeon , Kim Jeong-Youn , Choi Jongkwan , Baek Ji Yeong , Park Yeonsoo , Kim Yourim , Jung Minjee , Lee Seung-Hwan
Published: November 2019

Reduced oxygenation changes in the prefrontal cortex during cognitive tasks have been reported in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, prefrontal asymmetry during cognitive tasks and its relation to suicide ideations have been less frequently examined in patients with MDD. This study investigated prefrontal asymmetry and its moderating effect on the relationship between depression severity and suicidal ideation in MDD patients during cognitive tasks. Forty-two patients with MDD and 64 healthy controls (HCs) were assessed for changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin (Hb) in the prefrontal cortex using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during the verbal fluency task (VFT), Stroop task, and two-back task. Depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation were measured through self-report questionnaires. Relatively smaller left oxy-Hb changes during VFT, but not during the Stroop or two-back tasks, were found in MDD patients compared with HCs. Furthermore, prefrontal asymmetry during VFT moderated the effect of depression severity on suicide ideation, and was significantly and positively correlated with suicide ideation in patients with MDD. Specifically, relatively greater left oxy-Hb changes were associated with greater suicide ideation. These findings suggest fNIRS-measured prefrontal asymmetry as a potential biomarker for MDD and for the assessment of suicidal risk in patients with MDD.
Universal Sample Size Invariant Measures for Uncertainty Quantification in Density Estimation
Authors: Farmer Jenny , Merino Zach , Gray Alexander , Jacobs Donald
Published: November 2019

Previously, we developed a high throughput non-parametric maximum entropy method (PLOS ONE, 13(5): e0196937, 2018) that employs a log-likelihood scoring function to characterize uncertainty in trial probability density estimates through a scaled quantile residual (SQR). The SQR for the true probability density has universal sample size invariant properties equivalent to sampled uniform random data (SURD). Alternative scoring functions are considered that include the Anderson-Darling test. Scoring function effectiveness is evaluated using receiver operator characteristics to quantify efficacy in discriminating SURD from decoy-SURD, and by comparing overall performance characteristics during density estimation across a diverse test set of known probability distributions.
Distribution Structure Learning Loss (DSLL) Based on Deep Metric Learning for Image Retrieval
Authors: Fan Lili , Zhao Hongwei , Zhao Haoyu , Liu Pingping , Hu Huangshui
Published: November 2019

The massive number of images demands highly efficient image retrieval tools. Deep distance metric learning (DDML) is proposed to learn image similarity metrics in an end-to-end manner based on the convolution neural network, which has achieved encouraging results. The loss function is crucial in DDML frameworks. However, we found limitations to this model. When learning the similarity of positive and negative examples, the current methods aim to pull positive pairs as close as possible and separate negative pairs into equal distances in the embedding space. Consequently, the data distribution might be omitted. In this work, we focus on the distribution structure learning loss (DSLL) algorithm that aims to preserve the geometric information of images. To achieve this, we firstly propose a metric distance learning for highly matching figures to preserve the similarity structure inside it. Second, we introduce an entropy weight-based structural distribution to set the weight of the representative negative samples. Third, we incorporate their weights into the process of learning to rank. So, the negative samples can preserve the consistency of their structural distribution. Generally, we display comprehensive experimental results drawing on three popular landmark building datasets and demonstrate that our method achieves state-of-the-art performance.
Predictive Models for Imbalanced Data: A School Dropout Perspective
Authors: Barros Thiago M. , Souza Neto Plácido A. , Silva Ivanovitch , Guedes Luiz Affonso
Published: November 2019

Predicting school dropout rates is an important issue for the smooth execution of an educational system. This problem is solved by classifying students into two classes using educational activities related statistical datasets. One of the classes must identify the students who have the tendency to persist. The other class must identify the students who have the tendency to dropout. This problem often encounters a phenomenon that masks out the obtained results. This study delves into this phenomenon and provides a reliable educational data mining technique that accurately predicts the dropout rates. In particular, the three data classifying techniques, namely, decision tree, neural networks and Balanced Bagging, are used. The performances of these classifies are tested with and without the use of a downsample, SMOTE and ADASYN data balancing. It is found that among other parameters geometric mean and UAR provides reliable results while predicting the dropout rates using Balanced Bagging classifying techniques.
Support Vector Regression for the Modeling and Synthesis of Near-Field Focused Antenna Arrays
Authors: González Ayestarán Rafael
Published: November 2019

The powerful support vector regression framework is proposed in a novel method for near-field focusing using antenna arrays. By using this machine-learning method, the set of weights required in the elements of an array can be calculated to achieve an assigned near-field distribution focused on one or more positions. The computational cost is concentrated in an initial training process so that the trained system is fast enough for applications where moving devices are involved. The increased learning capabilities of support vector machines allow using a reduced number of training samples. Thus, these training samples may be generated with a prototype or a convenient electromagnetic analysis tool, and hence realistic effects, such as coupling or the individual radiation patterns of the elements of the arrays, are accounted for. Illustrative examples are presented.
Elderly Fall Detection with an Accelerometer Using Lightweight Neural Networks
Authors: Wang Gaojing , Li Qingquan , Wang Lei , Zhang Yuanshi , Liu Zheng
Published: November 2019

Falls have been one of the main threats to people’s health, especially for the elderly. Detecting falls in time can prevent the long lying time, which is extremely fatal. This paper intends to show the efficacy of detecting falls using a wearable accelerometer. In the past decade, the fall detection problem has been extensively studied. However, since the hardware resources of wearable devices are limited, designing highly accurate embeddable models with feasible computational cost remains an open research problem. In this paper, different types of shallow and lightweight neural networks, including supervised and unsupervised models are explored to improve the fall detection results. Experiment results on a large open dataset show that the lightweight neural networks proposed have obtained much better results than machine learning methods used in previous work. Moreover, the storage and computation requirements of these lightweight models are only a few hundredths of deep neural networks in literature. In tested lightweight neural networks, the best one is proved to be the supervised convolutional neural network (CNN) that can achieve an accuracy beyond 99.9% with only 441 parameters. Its storage and computation requirements are only 1.2 KB and 0.008 MFLOPs, which make it more suitable to be implemented in wearable devices with restricted memory size and computation power.
A Survey on Application of Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access to Different Wireless Networks
Authors: Anwar Asim , Seet Boon-Chong , Hasan Muhammad Amish , Li Xue Jun
Published: November 2019

The fifth generation (5G) wireless systems are anticipated to meet unprecedented capacity and latency requirements. In order to resolve these challenges in 5G, non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is considered as a promising technique due to its ability to enhance spectrum efficiency and user access. As opposed to conventional orthogonal multiple access (OMA) which relies on orthogonal resource sharing, NOMA has a potential of supporting a higher number of users by multiplexing different users in the same resource in a non-orthogonal manner. With advanced receiver techniques, such as successive interference cancellation (SIC), the intra-user interference can be minimized at the NOMA receiver. To date, there are comprehensive surveys on NOMA, which describe the integration of NOMA with different communication technologies and discuss different NOMA classifications. However, the existing literature is scarce in reviewing state-of-the-art applications of NOMA from the perspective of its application to cellular networks (CNs), device-to-device (D2D) communications, and wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Therefore, the purpose of this survey is to fill this gap in knowledge. Specifically, NOMA with its underlying concepts are elaborated in detail. In addition, detailed system model of different NOMA-based wireless networks is presented. Furthermore, irrespective of the underlying spatial topology of the considered NOMA-based wireless network, general analytical expressions are presented to characterize the network performance. Finally, some challenges related to NOMA design are highlighted and potential research directions are pointed out to address these issues.
Hybrid PWM Control for Regulating the High-Speed Operation of BLDC Motors and Expanding the Current Sensing Range of DC-link Single-Shunt
Authors: Huh Nam , Park Hyung-Seok , Lee Man Hyung , Kim Jang-Mok
Published: November 2019

This study developed a hybrid pulse width modulation (PWM) control method intended for use in a high-speed brushless dc (BLDC) motor drive system that uses DC-link single-shunt current measurement. The method is designed to regulate rapid operation and expand the current sensing range of the aforementioned system and measurement, respectively. The operating characteristics of most typical PWM methods for BLDC motors were analyzed, after which, a PWM approach suitable for high-speed operation was identified. On the basis of the selected approach, the measurable range of DC-link single-shunt current was examined mathematically to determine a PWM method that is advantageous for current sensing. The results of the two analyses were used as guidance in formulating the proposed hybrid PWM control algorithm. Finally, the PWM method put forward in this work was verified through experimentation.
Conceptualization of CO2 Terminal for Offshore CCS Using System Engineering Process
Authors: Noh Hyonjeong , Kang Kwangu , Huh Cheol , Kang Seong-Gil , Han Seong Jong , Kim Hyungwoo
Published: November 2019

In this study, the basic configuration and operation concept of a CO2 terminal were identified by conducting a system engineering process. The performance goal of a CO2 terminal was determined by requirement analysis. Then, functions and timelines were derived by functional analysis to meet the performance goal. Equipment to perform the functions were defined and finally, a process flow block diagram of the CO2 terminal was acquired. The CO2 terminal in this study consisted of three parts. First, the CO2 loading/unloading part is responsible for liquid CO2 unloading from the carrier and loading vapor CO2 onto the carrier. Secondly, the liquid CO2 transmission part extracts liquid CO2 from the storage tanks and increases the pressure until it satisfies the offshore pipeline transportation condition. The vapor-treatment part collects boil-off gas, generates vapor CO2, and charges the storage tanks with vapor CO2 to control the pressure of the storage tanks that discharge liquid CO2. Finally, the study results were compared with a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal. The biggest difference between the CO2 terminal in this study and the LNG terminal is that a vaporizer is essential in the CO2 terminal due to the smaller storage capacity of the CO2 terminal and, therefore, the lower amount of boil-off gas.
Supply Side Management vs. Demand Side Management of a Residential Microgrid Equipped with an Electric Vehicle in a Dual Tariff Scheme
Authors: Aoun Alain , Ibrahim Hussein , Ghandour Mazen , Ilinca Adrian
Published: November 2019

Fundamentally, two main methodologies are used to reduce the electric energy bill in residential, commercial, and even industrial applications. The first method is to act on the supply side by integrating alternative means of power generation, such as renewable energy generators, having a relatively low levelized cost of energy. Whereas, the second methodology focuses on the management of the load to minimize the overall paid cost for energy. Thus, this article highlights the importance of demand side management by comparing it to the supply side management having, as criteria, the total achieved savings on the overall annual energy bill of a residential microgrid supplied by two power sources and equipped with an electric vehicle. The optimization takes into consideration the cost of kWh that is paid by the prosumer based on an economical model having as inputs the outcomes of the energy model. The adopted energy model integrates, on the demand side, an intelligent energy management system acting on secondary loads, and on the supply side, a photovoltaic (PV) system with and without battery energy storage system (BESS). The outcome of this work shows that, under the right circumstances, demand side management can be as valuable as supply side control.
Genetic Algorithm Approach to Design of Multi-Layer Perceptron for Combined Cycle Power Plant Electrical Power Output Estimation
Authors: Lorencin Ivan , Anđelić Nikola , Mrzljak Vedran , Car Zlatan
Published: November 2019

In this paper a genetic algorithm (GA) approach to design of multi-layer perceptron (MLP) for combined cycle power plant power output estimation is presented. Dataset used in this research is a part of publicly available UCI Machine Learning Repository and it consists of 9568 data points (power plant operating regimes) that is divided on training dataset that consists of 7500 data points and testing dataset containing 2068 data points. Presented research was performed with aim of increasing regression performances of MLP in comparison to ones available in the literature by utilizing heuristic algorithm. The GA described in this paper is performed by using mutation and crossover procedures. These procedures are utilized for design of 20 different chromosomes in 50 different generations. MLP configurations that are designed with GA implementation are validated by using Bland - Altman (B-A) analysis. By utilizing GA, MLP with five hidden layers of 80,25,65,75 and 80 nodes, respectively, is designed. For aforementioned MLP, k - fold cross-validation is performed in order to examine its generalization performances. The Root Mean Square Error ( R M S E ) value achieved with aforementioned MLP is 4.305 , that is significantly lower in comparison with MLP presented in available literature, but still higher than several complex algorithms such as KStar and tree based algorithms.