bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical properties of aromatic rice prepared using different milling recoveries and roasting procedures
Authors: Lee Dae-Hoon , Park Hye-Mi , Cho Jun-Hyeon , Seo Woo-Duck , Hong Joo-Heon , Youn Kwang-Sup
Published: October 2018

In this study, the physicochemical properties of aromatic rice prepared using different milling recoveries and roasting procedures were investigated. As a result, we found that the L value of different milling recoveries of aromatic rice (BA-1, BA-2, BA-4, and BA-6) increased as the aromatic rice (BA-0) decreased, while the a and b values decreased as the different milling recoveries increased. The major contributors to the different milling recoveries of aromatic rice were total polyphenol (28.11-33.84 mg/100 g), amylose (24.97-31.06 mg/100 g), total starch (68.27-73.04%) content. In addition, three different roasting methods were applied; the aromatic rice was roasted at 250℃ for 0 min (BAR-0M), 15 min (BAR-15M), or 30 min (BAR-30M). As a result, the color in terms of the L value decreased, whereas the a and b values increased. Also, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents in BAR-30M (41.65 mg/100 g and 22.30 mg/100 g, respectively) were higher than those in BAR-0M (33.00 mg/100 g and 20.78 mg/100 g, respectively). Similarly, the amylose and total starch contents in BAR-30M (26.10 g/100 g and 81.81%, respectively) were higher than those in BAR-0M (22.10 g/100 g and 74.26%, respectively). Furthermore, the DPPH, superoxide radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant potential of BAR-0M at 5,000 μg/mL were found to be 67.78%, 52.90%, and 0.79 mM, respectively. Based on these results, we can conclude that in order to provide the best physicochemical characteristics of aromatic rice, it should be manufactured in the following conditions: 20% milling recovery of the aromatic rice and roasting at 250℃ for 30 min.
Change in microbiological quality and dominant bacterial communities during processing and storage of Platycodi radix (Doraji)
Authors: Park Kyung Min , Jeong Mooncheol , Park Kee Jai , Koo Minseon
Published: October 2018

The main goal of this work was to investigate changes in microbiological quality and dominant bacterial communities present in minimally processed Platycodi radix (Doraji) under vacuum packaging during cold storage using matirix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry fingerprinting. Microbiological analysis of raw Platycodi radix throughout the manufacturing process highlighted the presence of high numbers of total viable cells both before and after storage. Further, the dominant bacterial communities changed during processing and storage, with greater richness detected in Enterobacteriaceae; specifically, Serratia fonticola and Rahnella aquatilis became abundant in Platycodi radix after processing. During storage at 5 and 15℃, the quality diminished and the relative abundance of Leuconostoc spp. increased; Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides and Leuconostoc citreum were the main bacterial communities in decayed Platycodi radix at the end of storage. Microorganisms present in Platycodi radix products during processing and storage are potentially involved in deterioration. The identification of dominant bacteria can be helpful in the effective establishment of packaging and storage conditions to prolong the freshness of minimally processed Platycodi radix products.
Enhanced digestive enzyme activity and anti-adipogenic of fermented soy-powder milk with probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum P1201 through an increase in conjugated linoleic acid and isoflavone aglycone content
Authors: Hwang Chung Eun , Lee Dong Hoon , Kim Baolo , Joo Ok Soo , Kim Su Cheol , Lee Jin Hwan , Hong Su Young , Choi A Ra , Cho Kye Man
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to produce fermented soy-powder milk (FSPM) with Lactobacillus plantarum P1201 and to evaluate its anti-obesity activity. Isoflavone and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) of unfermented soy-powder milk (UFSPM) and FSPM and were analyzed via high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC). Their inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and pancreatic lipase were assayed. Their anti-obesity activities were evaluated on the basis of their inhibitory effects on adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells, and the expression of mRNAs associated with adipogenesis and lipid metabolism were analyzed via real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). FSPM with L. plantarum P1201 increased the isoflavone aglycones (daidzein, glycitein, and genistein) content and produced CLA in soy-powder milk (SPM), both of which possessed bio-activity. Both UFSPM and FSPM showed dose-dependent inhibitory activity for α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and pancreatic lipase. FSPM, but not UFSPM, suppressed adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells and reduced their triglyceride content by 23.1% after treatment with 1,000 μg/mL of FSPM, compared with the control group. The anti-obesity effect of FSPM can be attributed to CLA and isoflavone aglycones, which targeted CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBP-α) and down-regulated lipoprotein lipase (LPL), adiponectin, adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (aP2), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) mRNA. Furthermore, FSPM enhanced the inhibitory activity of glucosidase and pancreatic enzymes and anti-obesity activity. Further studies are required to investigate whether the anti-obesity effect of FSPM persists in an in vivo mouse model of diet-induced obesity.
Capturing the dynamics of genome replication on individual ultra-long nanopore sequence reads
Authors: Müller Carolin A , Boemo Michael A , Spingardi Paolo , Kessler Benedikt M , Kriaucionis Skirmantas , Simpson Jared T , Nieduszynski Conrad A
Published: October 2018

The replication of eukaryotic genomes is highly stochastic, making it difficult to determine the replication dynamics of individual molecules with existing methods. We now report a sequencing method for the measurement of replication fork movement on single molecules by Detecting Nucleotide Analogue signal currents on extremely long nanopore traces (D-NAscent). Using this method, we detect BrdU incorporated by Saccharomyces cerevisiae to reveal, at a genomic scale and on single molecules, the DNA sequences replicated during a pulse labelling period. Under conditions of limiting BrdU concentration, D-NAscent detects the differences in BrdU incorporation frequency across individual molecules to reveal the location of active replication origins, fork direction, termination sites, and fork pausing/stalling events. We used sequencing reads of 20-160 kb, to generate the first whole genome single-molecule map of DNA replication dynamics and discover a new class of low frequency stochastic origins in budding yeast.
Ecology and the diversification of reproductive strategies in viviparous fishes
Authors: Tobler Michael , Culumber Zachary
Published: October 2018

Shifts in life history evolution can potentiate sexual selection and speciation. However, we rarely understand the causative links between correlated patterns of diversification or the tipping points that initiate changes with cascading effects. We investigated livebearing fishes with repeated transitions from pre- (lecithotrophy) to post-fertilization maternal provisioning (matrotrophy) to identify the potential ecological drivers of evolutionary transitions in life history. Phylogenetic comparative analyses across 94 species revealed that bi-directional evolution along the lecithotrophy-matrotrophy continuum is correlated with ecology, supporting adaptive hypotheses of life history diversification. Consistent with theory, matrotrophy was associated with high resource availability and low competition. Our results suggest that ecological sources of selection contribute to the diversification of female provisioning strategies in livebearing fishes, which have been associated with macroevolutionary patterns of sexual selection and speciation.
PD-1 suppresses the maintenance of cell couples between cytotoxic T cells and tumor target cells within the tumor
Authors: Ambler Rachel , Edmunds Grace L. , Toti Giulia , Morgan David J. , Wülfing Christoph
Published: October 2018

CD8+ T cell killing of tumor cells is suppressed by the tumor microenvironment. Inhibitory receptors, prominently PD-1, are key mediators of this suppression. To discover cellular defects triggered by tumor exposure and associated PD-1 signaling, we have established an ex vivo imaging approach to investigate CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) interacting with tumor targets. Whilst TIL:tumor cell couples formed effectively, couple stability deteriorated within 1-2 minutes. This was associated with excessive cofilin recruitment to the cellular interface, coincident deterioration of f-actin structures, increased TIL locomotion, and impaired tumor cell killing. Diminished engagement of PD-1 within the tumor, but not acute ex vivo blockade, partially restored cell couple maintenance and killing. PD-1 thus suppresses TIL function by inducing a polarization-impaired state.
In situ 10-cell RNA sequencing in tissue and tumor biopsy samples
Authors: Singh Shambhavi , Wang Lixin , Schaff Dylan L. , Sutcliffe Matthew D. , Koeppel Alex F. , Kim Jungeun , Onengut-Gumuscu Suna , Park Kwon-Sik , Zong Hui , Janes Kevin A.
Published: October 2018

Single-cell transcriptomic methods classify new and existing cell types very effectively, but alternative approaches are needed to quantify the individual regulatory states of cells in their native tissue context. We combined the tissue preservation and single-cell resolution of laser capture with an improved preamplification procedure enabling RNA sequencing of 10 microdissected cells. This in situ 10-cell RNA sequencing (10cRNA-seq) can exploit fluorescent reporters of cell type in genetically engineered mice and is compatible with freshly cryoembedded clinical biopsies from patients. Through recombinant RNA spike-ins, we estimate dropout-free technical reliability as low as ~250 copies and a 50% detection sensitivity of ~45 copies per 10-cell reaction. By using small pools of microdissected cells, 10cRNA-seq improves per-cell reliability and sensitivity beyond existing approaches for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Accordingly, in multiple tissue and tumor settings, we observe 1.5–2-fold increases in genes detected and overall alignment rates compared to scRNA-seq. Combined with existing approaches to deconvolve small pools of cells, 10cRNA-seq offers a reliable, unbiased, and sensitive way to measure cell-state heterogeneity in tissues and tumors.
Nutrient deposition enhances post-fire survival in non-N-fixing savanna tree seedlings
Authors: Varma Varun , Sankaran Mahesh
Published: October 2018

Nutrient deposition can modify plant growth rates and potentially alter the susceptibility of plants to disturbance events, while also influencing properties of disturbance regimes. In mixed tree-grass ecosystems, such as savannas and tropical dry forests, tree seedling growth rates strongly influence the ability of seedlings to survive fire (i.e. post-fire seedling survival), and hence, vegetation structure and tree community composition. However the effects of nutrient deposition on the susceptibility of recruiting trees to fire are poorly quantified. In a field experiment, seedlings of multiple N-fixing and non-N-fixing tropical dry forest tree species were exposed to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilisation, and fire. We quantified nutrient-mediated changes in a) mean seedling growth rates; b) growth rates of the fastest growing individuals and c) post-fire seedling survival. N-fixers had substantially higher baseline post-fire seedling survival, that was unaffected by nutrient addition. Fertilisation, especially with N, increased post-fire survival probabilities in non-N-fixers by increasing the growth rates of the fastest growing individuals. These results suggest that fertilisation can lead to an increase in the relative abundance of non-N-fixers in the resprout community, and thereby, alter the community composition of tropical savanna and dry forest tree communities in the long-term.
Tightly-orchestrated rearrangements govern catalytic center assembly of the ribosome
Authors: Zhou Yi , Musalgaonkar Sharmishtha , Johnson Arlen W. , Taylor David W.
Published: October 2018

The catalytic activity of the ribosome is mediated by RNA, yet proteins are essential for the function of the peptidyl transferase center (PTC). In eukaryotes, final assembly of the PTC occurs in the cytoplasm by insertion of the ribosomal protein Rpl10. We determine structures of six intermediates in late nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of the large subunit that reveal a tightly-choreographed sequence of protein and RNA rearrangements controlling the insertion of Rpl10. We also determine the structure of the biogenesis factor Yvh1 and show how it promotes assembly of the P stalk, a critical element for recruitment of GTPases that drive translation. Together, our structures provide a blueprint for final assembly of a functional ribosome.

One Sentence Summary

Cryo-EM structures of six novel intermediates in the assembly of the large ribosomal subunit reveal mechanism of creating the catalytic center.
Microbiota-dependent elevation of Alcohol Dehydrogenase inDrosophilais associated with changes in alcohol-induced hyperactivity and alcohol preference
Authors: Blundon Malachi A. , Park Annie , Keith Scott A. , Oliver Stacie L. , Eutsey Rory A. , Pyzel Anna M. , Lau Tiffany W. , Huang Jennifer H. , Kolev Hannah M. , Luisa Hiller N. , Atkinson Nigel S. , Minden Jonathan S. , McCartney Brooke M.
Published: October 2018

The gut microbiota impacts diverse aspects of host biology including metabolism, immunity, and behavior, but the scope of those effects and their underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. To address these gaps, we used Two-dimensional Difference Gel Electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) to identify proteomic differences in male and femaleDrosophilaheads raised with a conventional microbiota and those raised in a sterile environment (axenic). We discovered 22 microbiota-dependent protein differences, and identified a specific elevation in Alcohol Dehydrogenase (ADH) in axenic male flies. Because ADH is a key enzyme in alcohol metabolism, we asked whether physiological and behavioral responses to alcohol were altered in axenic males. Here we show that alcohol induced hyperactivity, the first response to alcohol exposure, is significantly increased in axenic males, requires ADH activity, and is modified by genetic background. While ADH activity is required, we did not detect significant microbe-dependent differences in systemic ADH activity or ethanol level. Like other animals,Drosophilaexhibit a preference for ethanol consumption, and here we show significant microbiota-dependent differences in ethanol preference specifically in males. This work demonstrates that maleDrosophila’sassociation with their microbiota affects their physiological and behavioral responses to ethanol.
The GBAF chromatin remodeling complex binds H3K27ac and mediates enhancer transcription
Authors: Jefimov Kirill , Alcaraz Nicolas , Kloet Susan L. , Värv Signe , Sakya Siri Aastedatter , Vaagenso Christian Dalager , Vermeulen Michiel , Aasland Rein , Andersson and Robin
Published: October 2018

H3K27ac is associated with regulatory active enhancers, but its exact role in enhancer function remains elusive. Using mass spectrometry-based interaction proteomics, we identified the Super Elongation Complex (SEC) and GBAF, a non-canonical GLTSCR1L- and BRD9-containing SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, to be major interactors of H3K27ac. We systematically characterized the composition of GBAF and the conserved GLTSCR1/1L ‘GiBAF’-domain, which we found to be responsible for GBAF complex formation and GLTSCR1L nuclear localization. Inhibition of the bromodomain of BRD9 revealed interaction between GLTSCR1L and H3K27ac to be BRD9-dependent and led to GLTSCR1L dislocation from its preferred binding sites at H3K27ac-associated enhancers. GLTSCR1L disassociation from chromatin resulted in genome-wide downregulation of enhancer transcription while leaving most mRNA expression levels unchanged, except for reduced mRNA levels from loci topologically linked to affected enhancers. Our results indicate that GBAF is an enhancer-associated chromatin remodeler important for transcriptional and regulatory activity of enhancers.

Graphical abstract
Multifunction control and evaluation of a 3D printed hand prosthesis with the Myo armband by hand amputees
Authors: Cognolato M. , Atzori M. , Marchesin C. , Marangon S. , Faccio D. , Tiengo C. , Bassetto F. , Gassert R. , Petrone N. , Müller H.
Published: October 2018

Upper limb amputations are highly impairing injuries that can substantially limit the quality of life of a person. The most advanced dexterous prosthetic hands have remarkable mechanical features. However, in most cases, the control systems are a simple extension of basic control protocols, making the use of the prosthesis not intuitive and sometimes complex. Furthermore, the cost of dexterous prosthetic hands is often prohibitive, especially for the pediatric population and developing countries. 3D printed hand prostheses can represent an opportunity for the future. Open 3D models are increasingly being released, even for dexterous prostheses that are capable of moving each finger individually and actively rotating the thumb. However, the usage and test of such devices by hand amputees (using electromyography and classification methods) is not well explored. The aim of this article is to investigate the usage of a cost-effective system composed of a 3D printed hand prosthesis and a low-cost myoelectric armband. Two subjects with transradial amputation were asked to wear a custom-made socket supporting the HANDi Hand and the Thalmic Labs Myo armband. Afterwards, the subjects were asked to control and use the prosthetic hand to grasp several objects by attempting to perform a set of different hand gestures. Both the HANDi Hand and the Myo armband performed well during the test, which is encouraging considering that the HANDi Hand was developed as a research platform. The results are promising and show the feasibility of the multifunction control of dexterous 3D printed hand prostheses based on low-cost setups. Factors as the level of the amputation, neuromuscular fatigue and mechanical limitations of the 3D printed hand prosthesis can influence the performance of the setup. Practical aspects such as usability and robustness will need to be addressed for successful application in daily life. A video of the tests can be found at the following link:https://youtu.be/iPSCAbd17Qw
Uncertainty in RNA-seq gene expression data
Authors: Arora Sonali , Pattwell Siobhan S. , Holland Eric C. , Bolouri Hamid
Published: October 2018

RNA-sequencing data is widely used to identify disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Here, using data from five RNA-seq processing pipelines applied to 6,690 human tumor and normal tissues, we show that for >12% of protein-coding genes, in at least 1% of samples, current best-in-class RNA-seq processing pipelines differ in their abundance estimates by more than four-fold using the same samples and the same set of RNA-seq reads, raising clinical concern.
Efficient and reproducible somatic embryogenesis and micro propagation in tomato via novel structures -Rhizoid Tubers
Authors: Saeed Wajeeha , Naseem Saadia , Gohar Daniyal , Ali Zahid
Published: October 2018

An improved and highly reproducible system for invitro regeneration via somatic embryogenesis (S.E), applicable to several varieties of tomato (cv. Riogrande, cv. Roma grande, hybrid 17905 and model cv. M82) has been developed. First, we developed a conventional indirect organogenesis for all four varieties used in this study. The cotyledons and hypocotyls of 6-day-old tomato were used as explants (1-2 cm) for callus induction (CI) on different callus induction media (CIM) T0 – T12 (6-Benzylaminopurine BAP, NAA Naphthalene acetic acid, ZEA Zeatin, IAA Indole-3-acetic acid, KIN Kinetin). Maximum CI response was seen on CIMT6 (0.5 mg/L NAA, 1 mg/L BAP) and CIMT7 (2 mg/L IAA, 2 mg/L NAA, 2 mg/L BAP, 4mg/L KIN) in a period of 2 weeks for commercial varieties cvs. Riogrande and Roma. However, cv. M82 responded after 4 weeks to a combination of treatments [CIMT6 (0.5 mg/L NAA + 1 mg/L BAP) and CIMT8 (2 mg/L IAA + 2 mg/L NAA + 2 mg/L BAP + 4 mg/L ZEA)] for the production of calli. The Riogrande, being the most responsive commercial variety, was selected for invitro morphogenesis via S.E. During S.E. young cotyledons and hypocotyls explants were tested on media with different ranges of pH (3 – 7) supplemented with 0.5 and 2 mg/L NAA. Resultantly, numerous rhizoids (~38) were produced from each explant at pH4 in dark conditions. Further incubation of each rhizoid under light conditions led to the formation of a novel structure - rhizoid tubers (RTBs) on MS media supplemented with 5 mg/L TDZ/BAP at pH4. We observed that only lower pH-induced rhizoids and RTBs regenerated into multiple individual shoots on media at normal pH (5.8). The RTBs led to a complete plantlets regeneration in 45 days compared to the conventional invitro morphogenesis (60 days).
Cytoneme-mediated signaling essential for tumorigenesis
Authors: Fereres Sol , Hatori Ryo , Hatori Makiko , Kornberg Thomas B.
Published: October 2018

Communication between neoplastic cells and cells of their microenvironment is critical to cancer progression. To investigate the role of cytoneme-mediated signaling as a mechanism for distributing growth factor signaling proteins between tumor and tumor-associated cells, we analyzed EGFR and RET Drosophila tumor models. We tested several genetic loss-of-function conditions that impair cytoneme-mediated signaling.diaphanous, Neuroglian, SCAR, capriciousare genes that cytonemes require during normal development. Genetic inhibition of cytonemes restored apical basal polarity to tumor cells, reduced tumor growth, and increased organism survival. These findings suggest that cytonemes traffic the signaling proteins that move between tumor and stromal cells, and that cytoneme-mediated signaling is required for tumor growth and malignancy.

Essential cytonemes for paracrine signaling in Drosophila tumors
Theoretical investigation of stochastic clearance of bacteria: First-passage analysis
Authors: Teimouri Hamid , Kolomeisky Anatoly B.
Published: October 2018

Understanding mechanisms of bacterial eradication is critically important for overcoming failures of antibiotic treatments. Current studies suggest that the clearance of large bacterial populations proceeds deterministically, while for smaller populations the stochastic effects become more relevant. Here we develop a theoretical approach to investigate the bacterial population dynamics under the effect of antibiotic drugs using a method of first-passage processes. It allows us to explicitly evaluate the most important characteristics of the bacterial clearance dynamics such as extinction probabilities and extinction times. The new meaning of minimal inhibitory concentrations for stochastic clearance of bacterial populations is also discussed. In addition, we investigate the effect of fluctuations in the population growth rates on dynamics of bacterial eradication. It is found that extinction probabilities and extinction times generally do not correlate with each other when random fluctuations in the growth rates are taking place. Unexpectedly, for a significant range of parameters the extinction times increase due to these fluctuations, indicating a slowing in the bacterial clearance dynamics. It is argued that this might be one of the initial steps in the pathway for the development of antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, it is suggested that extinction times is a convenient measure of bacterial tolerance.
Effect of the ammonium ion on proton conduction in porous ionic crystals based on Keggin-type silicododecatungstate
Authors: Miyazawa Satoru , Hosono Reina , Osuga Ryota , Kondo Junko Nomura , Uchida Sayaka
Published: October 2018

Proton conduction in crystalline porous materials has received much attention from basic scientific research through to practical applications. Polyoxometalates (POMs) can efficiently transport protons because of their small superficial negative charge density. A simple method for enhancing proton conductivity is to introduce NH4
+ into the crystal structure, because NH4
+ can form hydrogen bonds and function as a proton carrier. According to these considerations, NH4
+ was introduced into the porous structure of A
2[Cr3O(OOCH)6(etpy)3]2[α-SiW12O40]·nH2O (A = Li, Na, K and Cs; etpy = 4-ethylpyridine) (I-A+
) via topotactic cation exchange. The resulting compound, diammonium tris(4-ethylpyridine)hexaformatooxidotrichromium α-silicododecatungstate hexahydrate, (NH4)2[Cr3(CHO2)6O(C7H9N)3]2[α-SiW12O40]·6H2O, showed high proton conductivity and low activation energy under high relative humidity (RH), suggesting that protons migrate efficiently via rearrangement of the hydrogen-bonding network formed by the NH4
+ cations and the waters of crystallization (Grotthuss mechanism). The proton conductivity and activation energy greatly decreased and increased, respectively, with the decrease in RH, suggesting that protons migrate as NH4
+ and/or H3O+ under low RH (vehicle mechanism).
Design and analysis of a feedback loop to regulate the basic parameters of the unmanned aircraft
Authors: Chodnicki Marcin , Bartnik Katarzyna , Nowakowski Miroslaw , Kowaleczko Grzegorz
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The motivation to perform research on feedback control system for unmanned aerial vehicles, a fact that each quadrocopter is unstable.

Design/methodology/approach

For this reason, it is necessary to design a control system which is capable of making unmanned aerial vehicle vertical take-off and landing (UAV VTOL) stable and controllable. For this purpose, it was decided to use a feedback control system with cascaded PID controller. The main reason for using it was that PID controllers are simple to implement and do not use much hardware resources. Moreover, cascaded control systems allow to control object response using more parameters than in a standard PID control. STM32 microcontrollers were used to make a real control system. The rapid prototyping using Embedded Coder Toolbox, FreeRTOS and STM32 CubeMX was conducted to design the algorithm of the feedback control system with cascaded PID controller for unmanned aerial vehicle vertical take-off and landings (UAV VTOLs).

Findings

During research, an algorithm of UAV VTOL control using the feedback control system with cascaded PID controller was designed. Tests were performed for the designed algorithm in the model simulation in Matlab/Simulink and in the real conditions.

Originality/value

It has been proved that an additional control loop must have a full PID controller. Moreover, a new library is presented for STM32 microcontrollers made using the Embedded Coder Toolbox just for the research. This library enabled to use rapid prototyping while developing the control algorithms.
Distributed task allocation for multiple heterogeneous UAVs based on consensus algorithm and online cooperative strategy
Authors: Wu Weinan , Cui Naigang , Shan Wenzhao , Wang Xiaogang
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a distributed task allocation method for cooperative mission planning of multiple heterogeneous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) based on the consensus algorithm and the online cooperative strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the allocation process is conducted in a distributed framework. The cooperative task allocation problem is proposed with constraints and uncertainties in a real mission. The algorithm based on the consensus algorithm and the online cooperative strategy is proposed for this problem. The local chain communication mode is adopted to restrict the bandwidth of the communication link among the UAVs, and two simulation tests are given to test the optimality and rapidity of the proposed algorithm.

Findings

This method can handle both continuous and discrete uncertainties in the mission space, and the proposed algorithm can obtain a feasible solution in allowable time.

Research limitations/implications

This study is only applied to the case that the total number of the UAVs is less than 15.

Practical implications

This study is expected to be practical for a real mission with uncertain targets.

Originality/value

The proposed algorithm can go beyond previous works that only deal with continuous uncertainties, and the Bayesian theorem is adopted for estimation of the target.
Photographs as documents/photographs as objects: photo archives, art history and the material approach
Authors: Caraffa Costanza
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims at demonstrating how the material approach questions conventional hierarchies of photographic value, showing a way to deal with large quantities of photographs accumulated by scientific and scholarly disciplines in their archives.

Design/methodology/approach

For generations, these photographs have been considered as pure documentations of the objects represented in them (from artworks in museums to snowflakes under a microscope). Documentary photographs have been understood as mere working tools that can now be easily replaced by digital duplicates. Overcoming the long-established reduction of photographs to their visual content, the material approach shifts attention to masses of anonymous photographs that are often disregarded within institutions because they do not match museum systems of value based on uniqueness and authorship.

Findings

Focussing on photographic and archival practices in art history, this paper aims at demonstrating how conceptual and methodological tools such as “agency” and “materiality” can be made fruitful for theory and practice of photo archives able to explore their epistemological potential. A case study from the Photothek of the Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz allows an insight into historical and contemporary dynamics and practices of photographic archives.

Originality/value

With its interwoven strands of archival practice and academic research, the Photothek unboxes itself as a laboratory for the international, cross-disciplinary debate on the role and function of photographs and photographic archives in scholarship, suggesting a methodological path for the entire field. In conclusion, the paper shows that the first necessary step for a long-term conservation of photo archives is promoting research on the photographic objects.
Do work-life balance practices mediate in the relationship between female participation and financial performance?
Authors: Odriozola María Dolores , Baraibar-Diez Elisa
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between the participation of women in companies with financial performance. However, this relationship does not arise directly. The authors argue that the participation of women in the company’s staff has a positive effect on the creation of work-life balance (WLB) practices, due to women have traditionally assumed family responsibilities, and subsequently these practices positively affect financial performance. WLB practices are a tool to balance employees’ professional and personal goals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to determine whether WLB practices mediate in the relationship between female participation in the workforce and financial performance on large companies listed in the Spanish Stock Exchange Index during the period from 2008 to 2013.

Findings

The main finding is that female participation in the workforce positively affects to the availability of WLB practices, but WLB practices are not a mediator to increase financial performance.

Originality/value

The study is a new contribution for academics and practitioners, since the WLB has a role of moderating variable; and the positive joint effect of female participation and WLB practices is tested over the company’s outcomes, instead of over the individual employee behaviour like in previous literature. In addition, this effect is studied in a country with economic recession where corporate WLB practices have increased in the last decade.
Talent management process in Asia: a multiple case study
Authors: Li Jessica , Hedayati-Mehdiabadi Amir , Choi Jeonghwan , Wu Feng , Bell Allison
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine talent management process in a region that has been influenced by Eastern culture.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is a multiple case study of six MNCs in Asia. Cross-cases analysis was used to reveal differences and similarities. The data were collected through phone interviews with HR managers and written communications as well as organizations’ websites.

Findings

The studied companies were dealing with several challenges regarding talent management process, including challenges of attracting and retaining talent, tension between subsidiaries and headquarters, tension between high potentials and non-high potentials and tension between generations. These companies’ strategies for addressing these challenges were also identified and discussed.

Originality/value

This paper revealed talent management orientation, the approach toward and definition of talent and context-specific issues regarding talent management of the selected companies in a region in which this topic has not been sufficiently studied in the past.
Effect of MHD on the flow and heat transfer characteristics of nanofluid in a grooved channel with internal heat generation
Authors: Dehghani Mohammad Sadegh , Toghraie Davood , Mehmandoust Babak
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is numerical simulation of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) water–Al2O3 nanofluid mixed convection in a grooved channel with internal heat generation in solid cylinders. Simulations were carried out at Reynolds numbers 50 ≤ Re ≤ 100, Hartmann numbers 0 ≤ Ha ≤ 15, Grashof numbers 5,000 ≤ Gr ≤ 10−4 and volume fraction 0 ≤ φ ≤ 0.04. The effect of Reynolds number and the influence of magnetic field and pressure drop on convective heat transfer coefficient were studied in different volume fractions of nanoparticles at different Reynolds numbers.

Design/methodology/approach

The results show that average Nusselt number increases by increasing Reynolds and Hartman numbers. Also, when Hartman number increases, velocity profile becomes asymmetric. Pressure distribution shows that magnetic field applies Lorentz force at opposite direction of the flow, which causes asymmetric distribution of pressure. As a result, pressure in the upper half of the cylinder is higher than the lower half. Finally, velocity and temperature contours along the channel for different Hartmann numbers, volume fraction 3 per cent, Re = 50 and 100 and Gr = 10,000, are presented.

Findings

The effect of Reynolds number and the influence of magnetic field and pressure drop on convective heat transfer coefficient were studied in different volume fractions of nanoparticles at different Reynolds numbers.

Originality/value

Effect of MHD on the flow and heat transfer characteristics of Water–Al2O3 nanofluid in a grooved channel with internal heat generation in solid cylinders.
Magneto-hydrodynamic natural convection of CuO-water nanofluid in complex shaped enclosure considering various nanoparticle shapes
Authors: Dogonchi A.S. , Selimefendigil F. , Ganji D.D.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to peruse natural convection in a CuO-water nanofluid-filled complex-shaped enclosure under the influence of a uniform magnetic field by using control volume finite element method.

Design/methodology/approach

Governing equations formulated in dimensionless stream function, vorticity and temperature variables using the single-phase nanofluid model with the Koo–Kleinstreuer–Li correlation for the effective dynamic viscosity and the effective thermal conductivity have been solved numerically by control volume finite element method.

Findings

Effects of various pertinent parameters such as Rayleigh number, Hartmann number, volume fraction of nanofluid and shape factor of nanoparticle on the convective heat transfer characteristics are analysed. It was observed that local and average heat transfer rates increase for higher value of Rayleigh number and lower value of Hartmann number. Among various nanoparticle shapes, platelets were found to be best in terms of heat transfer performance. The amount of average Nusselt number reductions was found to be different when nanofluids with different solid particle volume fractions were considered due to thermal and electrical conductivity enhancement of fluid with nanoparticle addition.

Originality/value

A comprehensive study of the natural convection in a CuO-water nanofluid-filled complex-shaped enclosure under the influence of a uniform magnetic field by using control volume finite element method is addressed.
Heat transfer enhancement in solidification process by change of fins arrangements in a heat exchanger containing phase-change materials
Authors: Hosseini Mohammad M. , Rahimi Asghar B.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Reducing discrepancy between energy demand and supply has been a controversial issue among researchers. Thermal energy storage is a technique to decrease this difference to increase the thermal efficiency of systems. Latent heat thermal energy storage has interested many researchers over the past few decades because of its high thermal energy density and constant operating temperature. The purpose of this paper is to provide a numerical study of the solidification process in a triplex tube heat exchanger containing phase change material (PCM) RT82.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-dimensional transient model was generated using finite volume method and regarding enthalpy-porosity technique. After that, a detailed and systematic approach has been presented to modify longitudinal fins’ configuration to enhance heat transfer rate in PCMs and reducing solidification time. The numerical results of this study have been validated by reference experimental results.

Findings

The ultimate model reduced solidification time up to 21.1 per cent of the Reference model which is a substantial improvement. Moreover, after testing different arrangements of rectangular fins and studying the flow pattern of liquid PCM during solidification, two general criteria was introduced so that engineers can reach the highest rate of heat transfer for a specified value of total surface area of fins. Finally, the effect of considering natural convection during solidification was studied, and the results showed that disregarding natural convection slows down the solidification process remarkably in comparison with experimental results and in fact, this assumption generates non-real estimation of solidification process.

Originality/value

The arrangement of the fins to have the best possible solidification time is the novelty in this paper.
Numerical treatment for Darcy–Forchheimer flow of nanofluid due to a rotating disk with convective heat and mass conditions
Authors: Hayat T. , Aziz Arsalan , Muhammad Taseer , Alsaedi A.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the Darcy–Forchheimer flow of viscous nanoliquid because of a rotating disk. Thermophoretic diffusion and random motion aspects are retained. Heat and mass transfer features are analyzed through convective conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing systems are solved numerically by the shooting technique.

Findings

Higher porosity parameter and Forchheimer number Fr depict similar trend for both velocity profiles f' and g. Both temperature and concentration profiles show increasing behavior for higher Forchheimer number Fr. An increase in Prandtl number Pr corresponds to lower temperature profile, while opposite trend is noticed for thermal Biot number. Larger concentration Biot number exhibits increasing behavior for both concentration and its associated layer thickness.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, no such consideration has been given in the literature yet.
Buyer-seller similarity
Authors: Kwok Linchi , Xie Karen L.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Buyers (renters) and sellers (hosts) on peer-to-peer (P2P) room-sharing websites make purchasing/selling decisions based on each other’s demographic information published in the cyber marketplace. Nevertheless, how this reciprocal selection based on the similarities between renters and hosts may lead to a successful P2P transaction of such services has not yet been discussed. Building on the similarity–attraction paradigm, this study assessed the similarity effects between renters and hosts on the likelihood of a P2P room-sharing transaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A logistical regression model was employed in analysis, using a large-scale, granular online observational data set collected from Xiaozhu.com, a primary home-sharing platform in China.

Findings

Renter–host similarities in age and education significantly affect the likelihood of a P2P room-sharing transaction. As the number of listings managed by a host increases, the effect of age similarity decreases. While a renter’s experience with a room-sharing website negatively moderates the similarity effect of age, it is a factor positively moderating the similarity effect of education.

Research limitations/implications

Other possible host–renter similarities were not analyzed due to the limitation of the data source. The reciprocal selection process for room-sharing services was acknowledged by integrating buyers’ and sellers’ data into one analysis.

Practical implications

Implications are advanced for the stakeholders of room-sharing business, including entrepreneurs running a room-sharing website, operators of short-term residential rentals and hoteliers.

Originality/value

This study represents a first attempt to research the buyer–seller similarity effects on the likelihood of a P2P transaction in sharing economy.
Drivers of restaurant efficiency in South Africa: a stochastic frontier approach
Authors: Mhlanga Oswald
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Restaurants in South Africa have a notoriously high failure rate. This study aims to identify drivers of restaurant efficiency in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

A stochastic cost frontier function with three inputs (i.e. labour, food and beverage and materials) and one output as the total revenue is specified and used to estimate restaurant efficiency. An extensive data collection using primary and secondary sources enabled the researcher to gather data from 42 restaurants, for the year 2016, on a variety of parameters.

Findings

The findings show that on average restaurants were operating at 77%, with the most and least efficient restaurants operating at a 97 and a 43% efficiency level, respectively. From the study, it is clear that two structural drivers, namely, “location” and “operation type”, and two executional drivers, namely, “restaurant type” and “revenue per available seat hour”, significantly impacted (p< 0.05) on restaurant efficiency in South Africa.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the importance of this study, it is not free of limitations. First, the research was based on efficiency drivers for restaurants situated in a specific South African province. Caution is therefore required when generalising the findings of this study to restaurants in other geographic areas, as a replication of this study in other geographic areas might reveal varying levels of efficiency. Second, the measurement of restaurant efficiency was limited to five efficiency drivers. Even though these efficiency drivers were included in other studies as well, there could be other relevant efficiency drivers that are likely to influence restaurant efficiency.

Practical implications

To improve efficiency, restaurateurs should first concentrate on the drivers that can be changed in the short term (executional drivers) and then later focus on the drivers that require long-term planning (structural drivers). Restaurateurs should understand the use of RevPASH strategies to manipulate demand during peak and off-peak periods. Furthermore, restaurants should be able to change the table mix to optimise table configuration. Changing a restaurant’s table configuration during peak times increases efficiency.

Originality/value

This paper is a first attempt to identify drivers of operational efficiency using a stochastic approach in the restaurant industry in South Africa. As restaurants in South Africa have a high failure rate, the results could assist restaurateurs in managing more successful entities.
Technological improvement in modern health care applications using Internet of Things (IoT) and proposal of novel health care approach
Authors: Rath Mamata , Pattanayak Binod
Published: October 2018

Purpose

With the development of emerging engineering technology and industrialization, there are greater changes in the life style of people in smart urban cities; therefore, there is also more chance of various health problems in urban areas. The life style of persons in metro urban areas with the expansive volume of population is similarly influenced by different application and administration frameworks. These are affecting the human health system up to an extended extent and there are more health-related issues and health hazard concerns that can be identified in urban areas. The purpose of this paper is to present an analytical study on various aspects of the smart health care system in a smart perspective by analyzing them with respect to emerging engineering technologies such as mobile network, cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics and ubiquitous computing. This paper also carries out a detailed survey of health issues and improved solutions in automated systems using these technologies. Second, the paper also presents a novel health care system using smart and safe ambulances and their appropriate control at traffic points with safety and security features in a smart city, so that the valuable life of patients can be saved in time by immediate treatment in nearest hospital or health care units.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, an analytical survey was conducted for improvement in the health care sector using computer technology and IoT-based various modern health care applications. An idea of Smart Health Care Hospital using sensors, mobile agent smart vehicle configuration and safety traffic control for ambulance was proposed.

Findings

A simulation was carried out to see the performance of a safety mechanism in the proposed approach. Comparative analysis was carried out with other approaches to know the execution time, response time and probable delay due to the implementation of this approach.

Originality/value

It is an original research work with motivation inspired from current emergent technology to apply in the health care system.