bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
الجذور الفكرية للتطرف وحل مشكلاتها
Authors: Kholilurrohman H.
Published: May 2018

إن من الأسباب الوخيمة لكيان الدفاىيم التطرفية ىو الأخذ بظواىر النصوص الشرعية، فالظاىرية

إنما رأس دينهم ىو التمسك بظواىر النصوص فلب يبالون أصلب بالتأويل، ويدتنعون عن مفاىيم

حواىا التنزيل؛ من أسباب النزول ودلالات الدعاني والألفاظ، كما نبو عليو أئمة التفستَ والحفاظ،

فمآل الظاىرية أن صارت تفاستَىم قاسية جامدة، وتعاليمهم غامضة باردة، يكفرون من خالفهم،

ويضللون من لم ينح منحاىم. ىذا البحث يحتوي على أمرين مهمتُ، الدشكلة، وحل الدشكلة، أما

الدشكلة فهي كيان التطرف الخطتَ في ا تّٓمع الإسلبمي باسم الاسلبم، بل وباسم التوحيد، فما ىو

جذور ىذه الدشكلة؟ كما لا تٗفى أهمية معرفة بعض أوصاف تٛلة ىذه الدشكلة الضارة. والأمر

الثاني ىو حل ىذه الدشكلة الوخيمة، وقد توسع الباحث ىنا في بيان أن التأويل ليس تعطيلب للرد

على مفاىيم الظاىرية بإيراد بعض أقوال الدفسرين الدعتبرين في ذلك. يهدف البحث إلى أمور، نها؛

أهمية معرفة جذور الدفاىيم التطرفية، أهمية مواجهة خطر التطرف في تفستَ النصوص الشرعية، ثم

الاقتًاحات لحل ىذه الدشكلبت، كما يهدف إلى عزل الفكر الدتطرف في تفستَ النصوص الشرعية

وتٛلتو. وفي اختتام ىذا البحث أشار الباحث مقتًحا لبعض الأمور الأساسية في حلول ىذه

الدشكلبت الدعاصرة بشيء من التفصيل. ىذا البحث العلمي يعتمد على طريقة البحث النوعي.

فالبحوث النوعية ىي البحوث التي تعتمد أساسيا وبالدرجة الأولى على شكل ملبحظات

وتعليقات وآراء مكتوبة أو مشاىدة أو مسموعة، فقد تتطلب قدرة عالية واستطاعة قوية على

التحليل والربط والدقابلة بتُ لستلف الآراء للحصول على نتائج التحليل على الوجو الدرجو ت٘اما، وقد

تنتهي الاستبيانات بشكل عام عن طريق تٚع الدكتوبات والدقالات والدراسات؛ وصفية كانت

الدراسة أو تٖليلية، من النصوص الدكتوبات الدعتبرة.
Digitales Shopfloor Management – Ihr Weg zur vernetzten Fabrik
Authors: Meißner Alyssa , Hertle Christian , Metternich Joachim
Published: May 2018

Kurzfassung

Immer mehr Unternehmen setzen auf Shopfloor Management (SFM), um die Leistung ihrer Produktion zu verbessern und Beschäftigte in Verbesserungsaktivitäten einzubinden. Dieser Beitrag zeigt auf, wie der Regelkreis des SFM durch Digitalisierung in jeder einzelnen Phase aufgewertet werden kann. Die Einführung von digitalem Shopfloor Management (dSFM) gliedert sich in drei Schritte: Im ersten Schritt wird eine Analyse der Produktionsprozesse sowie der zugehörigen Daten, Kennzahlen und Ziele durchgeführt. Anschließend werden im Rahmen des dSFM Kennzahlen, Maßnahmen und Problemlösung systematisch digital miteinander verknüpft. Im letzten Schritt sind die Beteiligten sowohl in der zugrunde liegenden Systematik des klassischen SFM als auch in der Anwendung des neuen, digitalen Instrumentariums zu trainieren.
Maschinendatenkonzepte als Basis der digitalen Produktion
Authors: Liebrecht Christoph , Berner Frank , Stieler Fabian , Lanza Gisela
Published: May 2018

Kurzfassung

Im Zuge der Digitalisierung von Wertschöpfungsketten und Vernetzung von Anlagen und Maschinen rücken Fragestellungen zur erweiterten Nutzung der generierten Daten im Produktionsumfeld zunehmend in den Fokus. Diese Entwicklung hin zur Industrie 4.0 setzt eine erfolgreiche Integration der Informationssysteme auf einer Vielzahl an Ebenen voraus, wobei hierbei die Datenintegration als essentielle Grundlage betrachtet werden muss. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird ein Ansatz zur Entwicklung eines Datenkonzeptes für intelligente Produktionsanlagen entwickelt.
Smart Services – Konzept einer neuen Marktleistung
Authors: Frank Maximillian , Koldewey Christian , Rabe Martin , Dumitrescu Roman , Gausemeier Jürgen , Kühn Arno
Published: May 2018

Kurzfassung

Smart Services sind digitale Dienstleistungen, die aus den Daten einer Sachleistung Mehrwert generieren. Durch eine übersichtliche Abgrenzung der kursierenden Begrifflichkeiten tragen wir zum Verständnis dieser neuartigen Marktleistung bei. Wir zeigen eine Referenzarchitektur und postulieren vier Hauptherausforderungen: Konzipierung, Kompetenzen, Skalierung, strategische Planung.
Additives Fertigungsverfahren zur Herstellung von Bauteilen mit Eigenschaftsgradienten
Authors: Uhlmann Eckart , Wagner Manfred H. , Gerlitzky Georg
Published: May 2018

Kurzfassung

Additive Fertigungsverfahren gewannen in der Fertigungs und Produktionstechnik in den vergangenen Jahren immer mehr an Bedeutung. Dies ist vor allem durch die nahezu unbeschränkte Designfreiheit begründet, welche die wirtschaftliche Herstellung komplexer Bauteile ohne den Einsatz von Spezialwerkzeugen ermöglicht [1]. Allerdings stehen dem verbreiteten Einsatz der additiven Fertigungstechnologien in der Serienproduktion noch Probleme wie hohe Produktionskosten, schlechte Oberflächenqualitäten der Bauteile sowie teilweise Unklarheit bezüglich der erreichbaren Materialeigenschaften gegenüber. Zudem wurde bisher unzureichend erforscht, in welchem Maße Eigenschaftsgradienten in additiv gefertigten Bauteilen gezielt einstellbar sind [2]. Dieser Beitrag stellt ein Fertigungsverfahren vor, mit welchem es möglich ist, Bauteile mit Eigenschaftsgradienten herzustellen, wie z. B. variierende Härte. Hierzu wird ein prototypisches Maschinensystem beschrieben, mit dem drei Polymere in verschiedenen Dosierungen ineinander gedruckt werden können, um gezielt unterschiedliche Bauteileigenschaften zu generieren. Anschließend werden verschiedene Testbauteile gefertigt und analysiert.
Kondisi Pendahulu dan Gejala Groupthink dalam Dinamika Komunikasi Politik
Authors: Adhrianti Lisa
Published: May 2018

Groupthink phenomenon in the context of political communication in the scope of the legislative group in the Indonesian parliament where members of multipar pol heteroge11eous background, but often resulted in cont roversial decisions
and unpopular. The paradigm of this research is postpositivis with a qualitative
approach. Methods used in this research is a case study. In general, this study
cm firmed that groupthink occurs in tire dynamics of political communication in the legislatiPe drnft law K I P group WL1rking Committee of Representatives Commission I 011 a process t:f discussion a11d decision-making of public bodies. Tlzere are se<'eral Ct JJ t dititms predecessor (antecedent) which prod uces some symptoms of grouptlti11k hallmark t{t!ze Indonesian parliament, namel y that the cohesion of the group is not /1ased on the fear factor or the reluctance of the figure of leaders in ilze group, lnt t lwcnuse of the presu re (:f time for completion
of tasks, fatigue and co1 (lict of intereM s <uith the group executive, which then
forces the legislatiPe group to produce n decision that can not be said to be either through a compromise measure tlta t succeeded in presenti11g a new article, namel!tl.J, 15, and 16 in tile drntt laze KIP :!OOS .
Pengaruh Kepemimpinan Dan Pengembangan Karir Terhadap Komitmen Karyawan PT Khalifa International Business Di Jakarta
Authors: Nawawi M. Irfan , Aryanda Aryanda
Published: May 2018

The purposed of this research was to identified the effect of leadership and career development partially and simultaneously on employee commitment PT Khalifa International Business in Jakarta. Research conducted on 21 employees of PT Khalifa International Business, data processing using analysis Regression. It is showed positive effect leadership and career development on employee commitment partially and simultaneously. With this research explicitly illustrated and analyzed the effect of leadership and career development on employee commitment including how the relationship between variables.
Kualitas Audit Didasarkan Pada Isu-Isu Keahlian Dan Profesionalisme Auditor
Authors: Sartono Mohammad Ali
Published: May 2018

This research will examine the views from stakeholders on the quality of audits based on issues of expertise and professionalism of auditors, audits commercialization  and transparency the audit. This study focuses attention on the response from implementation of audits quality regulations according to the company’s audits, the audit committee and investors. The focus of this research is an analysis of research by identifying four major drivers of audit quality, namely: culture in an audit firm; skills and personal qualities of audit partners and staff; the effectiveness of the audit process; the reliability and usefulness of audit reporting. In this study also identifies a number of factors that affect the quality of audit beyond the control of the auditor, namely: the approach taken by management; the contribution made by the audit committee; role of shareholders and commentators; role as a driver of audit quality litigation; regulatory approaches; the pressure caused by the acceleration reports. The results showed that the regulatory bodies and professionals involved in the management and improvement of audit quality to make efforts to improve the tarnished image, increase its legitimacy and reputation as well as the dominance of responses raised concerns about potential damage to the profession.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Deficiency Deregulates Regional Brain Amyloid-β Protein Precursor Expression and Phosphorylation Levels
Authors: Hoffman Alexander , Taleski Goce , Qian Helena , Wasek Brandi , Arning Erland , Bottiglieri Teodoro , Sontag Jean-Marie , Sontag Estelle
Published: May 2018

Deregulation of the amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) plays a critical role in the neurodegenerative cascade of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Significantly, common functional polymorphisms in the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR) gene are a risk factor for the development of late-onset AD. Reduced MTHFR activity is associated with alterations in folate and homocysteine metabolism. Here, we first show that in young MTHFR knockout mice, mild and severe MTHFR deficiency markedly increase cortical and hippocampal AβPP phosphorylation at the regulatory Thr668 site. However, the hippocampus is especially vulnerable to the effects of aging and mild MTHFR deficiency. Notably, the effects of severe MTHFR deficiency in young mice are recapitulated by prolonged dietary folate deficiency in old mice, which leads to regional brain accumulation of cystathionine due to impaired methylation of homocysteine. The incremental AβPP phosphorylation at Thr668 mediated by severe genetic-or diet-induced impairment of the folate cycle correlates with enhanced accumulation of demethylated protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), and activation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). Lastly, we show that severe disturbances in folate metabolism can also affect AβPP expression levels in a brain region specific manner. Together our findings identify a novel link between genetic MTHFR deficiency, activation of GSK-3β, demethylation of PP2A, and enhanced phosphorylation of AβPP at Thr668, which is known to critically influence neuronal AβPP function and pathological amyloidogenic processing. Deregulation of AβPP provides a novel mechanism by which common human MTHFR polymorphisms may interact with dietary folate deficiency to alter neuronal homeostasis and increase the risk for sporadic AD.
A New Perspective in Utilizing MMP-9 as a Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer’s Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Kaminari Archontia , Tsilibary Effie C. , Tzinia Athina
Published: May 2018

Matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP-9) is a 92 kDa type IV collagenase and a member of the family of endopeptidases. MMP-9 is involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix components, tissue remodeling, cellular receptor stripping, and processing of various signaling molecules. In the CNS, the effects of MMP-9 are quite complex, since it exerts beneficial effects including neurogenesis, angiogenesis, myelogenesis, axonal growth, and inhibition of apoptosis, or destructive effects including apoptosis, blood-brain barrier disorder, and demyelination. Likewise, in the periphery, physiological events, as the involvement of MMP-9 in angiogenesis, for instance in wound healing, can be turned into pathological, such as in tumor metastasis, depending on the state of the organism. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by amyloid accumulation and deposition in the brain. Amyloidogenesis, however, also occurs in diseases of the periphery, such as type II diabetes mellitus, where an analogous type of amyloid, is deposited in the pancreas. Interestingly, both diseases exhibit similar pathology and disease progression, with insulin resistance being a major common denominator. Hence, combinatorial strategies searching new or existing molecules to apply for therapeutic use for both diseases are gaining momentum. MMP-9 is extensively studied due to its association with a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Consequently, meticulous design could render MMP-9 into a potential therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus; two seemingly unrelated diseases.
Antimycobacterial potential of resorcinol type lipid isolated from Chaetomium cupreum, an endophytic fungus from Mussaenda luteola
Authors: Shylaja Gunasekaran , Sasikumar Kandasamy , Sathiavelu Arunachalam
Published: May 2018

An endophytic fungus Chaetomium cupreum was isolated from the ornamental plant Mussaenda luteola. A known metabolite named resorcinol type of lipid (compound 1) was isolated using column chromatography and structurally elucidated by spectroscopic studies includes UV-Vis, FT-IR, NMR, MS analysis and comparing with the existing data. The compound 1 was evaluated for antimycobacterial potential by microtitre plate alamar blue assay against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (ATCC27294). It also estimated for DPPH free radical scavenging and antibacterial (agar well diffusion method) potentials. Compound 1 revealed to have significant inhibition of Mycobacterium with MIC of 6.3 µg/mL which is similar to the standard streptomycin drug. It also exhibited good DPPH free radical scavenging potential of 84.5 ± 0.4% and maximum inhibition of both E. coli (ATCC 25922) as well as S. aureus (ATCC 25923). Thus, endophytic fungus C. cupreum from Mussaenda luteola could be a potential source of novel lead antimicrobial agents for drug discovery.

Video Clip of Methodology:

9 min 43 sec:   Click to watch
Chemical analysis of phenolic compounds and determination of antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of organic extracts of Pinus coulteri
Authors: Merah Soumia , Dahmane Dahmane , Krimat Soumeya , Metidji Hafidha , Nouasri Ahmed , Lamari Lynda , Dob Tahar
Published: May 2018

New bioactive natural products, the phenolic composition and the biological activities of organic extracts from the needles of the Algerian Pinus coulteri were investigated. The analysis by HPLC-DAD of crude extract revealed the presence of 10 phenolic acids and nine flavonoids. In vitro anti-oxidant activities were performed using four different tests. The greatest antiradical activity was found in the ethyl acetate fraction (IC50 = 3.2 ± 0.3 µg/mL), whereas the diethyl ether fraction had the higher contents of total phenolics and flavonoids and exhibited a highest activity in reducing power and β-carotene–linoleic acid tests with EC50= 67.1 ± 0.4 μg/mL and 71.5 ± 0.2% of inhibition, respectively. Furthermore, a low to moderate antimicrobial activity according to all extracts was revealed against eight bacteria tested. The MIC value of chloroform fraction showed a strong degree of antibacterial activity (<0.09 mg/mL). The crude extract was found toxic with LC50 value of 15.2 μg/mL by brine shrimp toxicity assay. The needle extract of P. coulteri is rich in valuable biologically active compounds and could represent a new resource of anti-oxidant agents for the treatment of diseases.
Video Clip of Methodology:
Disc diffusion test: 6 min 41 sec   Click to watch
Association of anticardiolipin IgM antibody with preeclampsia
Authors: Khanam Sharmin , Fatima Parveen , Nasrin Begum , Hoque Md. Mozammel
Published: May 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate association of anticardiolipin IgM antibody with preeclampsia among the 70 pregnant women having preeclampsia from March 2016 to February 2017. Equal number of age matched normotensive healthy pregnant women was selected as control. Demographic, obstetric and relevant laboratory data were collected and compared between the two groups. The level of anticardiolipin IgM antibody was significantly higher in preeclamptic women than in normal pregnant (mean 8.7 vs 5.8 U/mL, p<0.001). Even in categorical distribution when the value was considered as positive by assessing a cut-off, cases had three times more chance to have positive level of anticardiolipin IgM antibody than controls (OR=3.3, 95% CI=1.1-9.6, p=0.046). Pearson’s correlation test revealed that both systolic and diastolic blood pressure had a positive correlation with the level of anticardiolipin IgM antibody. (p<0.05). In conclusion, this study shows that anticardiolipin IgM antibody was associated with preeclampsia. The level of this anticardiolipin IgM antibody is directly proportional to the severity of preeclampsia and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Variation in obsessive-compulsive symptoms between children and adults
Authors: Algin Sultana , Arafat S. M. Yasir , Kushal Sayedul Ashraf , Ahmed Sumaiya Nausheen , Hasnat Sajib Mohammad Waliul
Published: May 2018

The complexity and diversity of clinical manifestations of obsessive-compulsive disorder have intrigued psychiatrists for a long time. Various differences have been noted in the presentation of obsessive-compulsive disorder of different age group. It was aimed to assess the variations of presentation of symptoms in children and adults in a tertiary level hospital. This study was done in an outpatient department from May 2015 to April 2017. Four hundred patients were included in the study consecutively after considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Respondents were interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire which includes demographic variables, psychiatric diagnoses (DSM-IV-TR) and Y-BOCS symptom checklist. Obsessive-compulsive disorder started before adulthood in 41.5% of patients and onset after 18 years was found to be 58.5%. In this study, cases of obsessions, dirt and contamination was seen to predominate in both early- and late-onset obsessive compulsive disorder (68.3 and 71.4% respectively) and among the cases of compulsions, cleaning variety was found to be highest in both early- and late-onset (65.8 and 73.3% respectively). Age should be taken into account when evaluating obsessive compulsive disorder patients. The results suggest that more studies are necessary to determine whether in fact, it defines a homogeneous and particular group in obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Towards Farm Animal Welfare and Sustainability
Authors: Buller Henry , Blokhuis Harry , Jensen Per , Keeling Linda
Published: May 2018

As farm animal welfare becomes an increasingly important component of contemporary global livestock production, animal welfare science and animal welfare policy-making need to find new ways of entering global debates over food security and sustainability. In this paper, we explore the means by which both animal welfare science and policy should articulate with these emerging global debates. Having first established the important gains in animal welfare policy and the maturity of animal welfare science, we identify and explore the potential impact of these current debates and argue that they have the potential for profound change in our understanding of, and our response to, the welfare of animals. We conclude the paper with a number of possible recommendations for how a scientifically informed, sustainable animal welfare policy might flourish.
Comparing Palm Oil, Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction and α-Tocopherol Supplementation on the Antioxidant Levels of Older Adults
Authors: Nor Azman Nor , Goon Jo , Abdul Ghani Siti , Hamid Zalina , Wan Ngah Wan
Published: May 2018

Background: Tocotrienol and tocopherol are known to prevent numerous degenerative diseases. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) with α-tocopherol (α-TF) on the antioxidant status of healthy individuals aged between 50 and 55 years. Methods: Volunteers were divided into groups receiving placebo (n = 23), α-TF (n = 24) and TRF (n = 24). Fasting venous blood samples were taken at baseline (0 month), 3 months and 6 months of supplementation for the determination of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities as well as for reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) concentrations. Results: CAT and GPx were unaffected by TRF and α-TF supplementations. SOD activity increased significantly after six months of TRF supplementation. Analysis by gender showed that only female subjects had significant increases in SOD and GPx activities after six months of TRF supplementation. GPx activity was also significantly higher in females compared to males after six months of TRF supplementation. The GSH/GSSG ratio increased significantly after six months of TRF and α-TF supplementation in only the female subjects. Conclusion: TRF and α-TF supplementation exhibited similar effects to the antioxidant levels of older adults with TRF having more significant effects in females.
Orthogonal Simplex Chebyshev-Laguerre Cubature Kalman Filter Applied in Nonlinear Estimation Systems
Authors: Liu Zhuowei , Chen Shuxin , Wu Hao , Liang Fang
Published: May 2018

To further improve the filtering accuracy in nonlinear estimation systems, a nonlinear filter, called the orthogonal simplex Chebyshev-Laguerre cubature Kalman filter (OSCL-CKF), is proposed. The filter is built within the cubature Kalman filter framework, which transforms the multidimensional, Gaussian weighted integral into a spherical-radial coordinate system. In the spherical integral, an orthogonal method is introduced to the third-degree spherical simplex rule, and then the nonlocal sampling effects can be reduced by tuning the high order interference terms. In the radial integral, the quadrature points and corresponding weights are determined according to the Chebyshev-Laguerre (CL) equation, which enables the nonlinear filter to improve the precision by the order of the CL polynomial. Numerical results show that the proposed filter outperforms the conventional algorithms.
Short-Term Fuzzy Load Forecasting Model Using Genetic–Fuzzy and Ant Colony–Fuzzy Knowledge Base Optimization
Authors: Luy Murat , Ates Volkan , Barisci Necaattin , Polat Huseyin , Cam Ertugrul
Published: May 2018

The estimation of hourly electricity load consumption is highly important for planning short-term supply–demand equilibrium in sources and facilities. Studies of short-term load forecasting in the literature are categorized into two groups: classical conventional and artificial intelligence-based methods. Artificial intelligence-based models, especially when using fuzzy logic techniques, have more accurate load estimations when datasets include high uncertainty. However, as the knowledge base—which is defined by expert insights and decisions—gets larger, the load forecasting performance decreases. This study handles the problem that is caused by the growing knowledge base, and improves the load forecasting performance of fuzzy models through nature-inspired methods. The proposed models have been optimized by using ant colony optimization and genetic algorithm (GA) techniques. The training and testing processes of the proposed systems were performed on historical hourly load consumption and temperature data collected between 2011 and 2014. The results show that the proposed models can sufficiently improve the performance of hourly short-term load forecasting. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the monthly minimum in the forecasting model, in terms of the forecasting accuracy, is 3.9% (February 2014). The results show that the proposed methods make it possible to work with large-scale rule bases in a more flexible estimation environment.
A Simplified Free Vortex Wake Model of Wind Turbines for Axial Steady Conditions
Authors: Xu Bofeng , Wang Tongguang , Yuan Yue , Zhao Zhenzhou , Liu Haoming
Published: May 2018

A simplified free vortex wake (FVW) model called the vortex sheet and ring wake (VSRW) model was developed to rapidly calculate the aerodynamic performance of wind turbines under axial steady conditions. The wake in the simplified FVW model is comprised of the vortex sheets in the near wake and the vortex rings, which are used to replace the helical tip vortex filament in the far wake. The position of the vortex ring is obtained by the motion equation of its control point. Analytical formulas of the velocity induced by the vortex ring were introduced to reduce the computational time of the induced velocity calculation. In order to take into account both accuracy and calculation time of the VSRW model, the length of the near wake was cut off at a 120° wake age angle. The simplified FVW model was used to calculate the aerodynamic load of the blade and the wake flow characteristic. The results were compared with measurement results and the results from the full vortex sheet wake model and the tip vortex wake model. The computational speed of the simplified FVW model is at least an order of magnitude faster than other two conventional models. The error of the low-speed shaft torque obtained from the simplified FVW model is no more than 10% relative to the experiment at most of wind speeds. The normal and tangential force coefficients obtained from the three models agree well with each other and with the measurement results at the low wind speed. The comparison indicates that the simplified FVW model predicts the aerodynamic load accurately and greatly reduces the computational time. The axial induction factor field in the near wake agrees well with the other two FVW models and the radial expansion deformation of the wake can be captured.
Multi-UAVs Communication-Aware Cooperative Target Tracking
Authors: Fu Xiaowei , Liu Kunpeng , Gao Xiaoguang
Published: May 2018

A kind of communication-aware cooperative target tracking algorithm is proposed, which is based on information consensus under multi-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) communication noise. Each UAV uses the extended Kalman filter to predict target movement and get an estimation of target state. The communication between UAVs is modeled as a signal to noise ratio model. During the information fusion process, communication noise is treated as a kind of observation noise, which makes UAVs reach a compromise between observation and communication. The classical consensus algorithm is used to deal with observed information, and consistency prediction of each UAV’s target state is obtained. Each UAV calculates its control inputs using receding horizon optimization method based on consistency results. The simulation results show that introducing communication noise can make UAVs more focused on maintaining good communication with other UAVs in the process of target tracking, and improve the accuracy of cooperative target tracking.
Determination of SoH of Lead-Acid Batteries by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Kwiecien Monika , Badeda Julia , Huck Moritz , Komut Kuebra , Duman Dilek , Sauer Dirk Uwe
Published: May 2018

The aging mechanisms of lead-acid batteries change the electrochemical characteristics. For example, sulfation influences the active surface area, and corrosion increases the resistance. Therefore, it is expected that the state of health (SoH) can be reflected through differentiable changes in the impedance of a lead-acid battery. However, for lead-acid batteries, no reliable SoH algorithm is available based on single impedance values or the spectrum. Additionally, the characteristic changes of the spectrum during aging are unknown. In this work, lead-acid test cells were aged under specific cycle regimes known as AK3.4, and periodic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements and capacity tests were conducted. It was examined that single impedance values increased linearly with capacity decay, but with varying slopes depending on the pre-history of the cell and measurement frequency of impedance. Thereby, possible reasons for ineffective SoH estimation were found. The spectra were fitted to an equivalent electrical circuit containing, besides other elements, an ohmic and a charge-transfer resistance of the negative electrode. The linear increase of the ohmic resistance and the charge-transfer resistance were characterized for the performed cyclic aging test. Results from chemical analysis confirmed the expected aging process and the correlation between capacity decay and impedance change. Furthermore, the positive influence of charging on the SoH could be detected via EIS. The results presented here show that SoH estimation using EIS can be a viable technique for lead-acid batteries.
GNSS Positioning Accuracy Enhancement Based on Robust Statistical MM Estimation Theory for Ground Vehicles in Challenging Environments
Authors: Akram Muhammad , Liu Peilin , Wang Yuze , Qian Jiuchao
Published: May 2018

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is the most reliable navigation system for location-based applications where accuracy and consistency is an essential requirement. The LSE (least squares estimator) has been used since the start of GNSS for position estimation. However; LSE is affected by outliers and errors in GNSS measurements and results in wrong user position. In this paper; we proposed a novel three-phase estimator for enhancing GNSS positioning accuracy in the presence of outliers and errors; relying upon the robust MM estimation theory. In the first phase; a subsampling process is proposed on available observations. IRWLS (iterative reweighted LS) is applied to all subsamples up to a predefined number of observations to obtain a positioning estimate and a scale factor. Secondly; IRWLS is applied up to the convergence point on a set of selected subsamples. The third phase involves the selection of optimum positioning solution having minimum scale factor. An outlier detection and exclusion process is applied on a probabilistic set of outlying observations to maintain the integrity and reliability of the position. Multiple simulated and real scenarios are tested. Results show high accuracy and reliability of the proposed algorithm in challenging environments.
X-ray Free-Electron Laser
Authors: Ueda Kiyoshi
Published: May 2018

During the last decades, the advent of the short-wavelength Free Electron Lasers (FELs) in the range from extreme ultraviolet (XUV) to hard X-rays has opened a new research avenue for the investigations of ultrafast electronic and structural dynamics in any form of matter[...]
Review on Inlet/Outlet Oil Coordinated Control for Electro-Hydraulic Power Mechanism under Sustained Negative Load
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Yunhua , Li Dong
Published: May 2018

Speed control and smooth regulation in an electro-hydraulic motion control system under negative load (over-running load) are crucial to mobile machineries, vehicles, and motion simulation equipment. Problems, such as bad natural stability, bad dynamic performance for small adjusting signal, serious coupling, and difficulty to coordinate between speed smoothness and speed regulation, exist in traditional valve-controlled and pump-controlled electro-hydraulic power mechanism. The coordinated motion control scheme, which is based on independent regulation of inlet/outlet oil for electro-hydraulic power mechanism has attracted the attention of many scholars. In the last two decades, many progresses had been made in coordinated control technology, employing in inlet/outlet independent metering and pump/valves independent regulation. Moreover, the technology has been widely used in the electro-hydraulic operating system in hydraulic excavator and the speed smoothness control system in heavy transport vehicles. In this study, recent advancements and upcoming trends in coordinated control and inlet/outlet independent metering for electro-hydraulic power mechanism under sustained negative load are reviewed. Firstly, related research advancements are summarized, including flow rate regulation mechanism based on inlet/outlet coordinated control, coordinated control strategy and nonlinear control method of electro-hydraulic control system. Then, nonlinear modeling of inlet/outlet independent metering and pump/valves independent regulation in electro-hydraulic control system is presented. In addition, the electro-hydraulic speed smoothness control and energy recovery for heavy engineering vehicles under long down-slope is discussed and reviewed. Finally, existing problems and future trends of inlet/outlet coordinated control for an electro-hydraulic power mechanism under sustained negative load are presented.
Cold Waves in Poznań (Poland) and Thermal Conditions in the City during Selected Cold Waves
Authors: Tomczyk Arkadiusz M. , Półrolniczak Marek , Kolendowicz Leszek
Published: May 2018

The objective of the paper was to characterize the occurrence of cold days and cold waves in Poznań in the years 1966/67–2015/16, as well as to characterize thermal conditions in the city during selected cold waves in the years 2008/09–2015/16. The study was based on daily data on maximum and minimum air temperature for station Poznań-Ławica from the years 1966/67–2015/16 and daily air temperature values from eight measurement points located in the territory of the city in different types of land use from the years 2008/08–2015/16. In addition, to characterize thermal conditions during selected days forming cold waves, satellite images were used, on the basis of which the land surface temperature (LST) was calculated. A cold day was defined as a day with daily maximum temperature (Tmax) below the value of 5th annual percentile of Tmax, and a cold wave was defined as at least five consecutive cold days. The study showed an increase in Tmax in winter, which translated to a decrease in the number of cold days over the last 50 years, although the changes were not statistically significant. Thermal conditions in the city showed high variability in the winter season and during the analyzed cold waves.
Quantiles in Abstract Convex Structures
Authors: Cardin Marta
Published: May 2018

In this short paper, we aim at a qualitative framework for modeling multivariate decision problems where each alternative is characterized by a set of properties. To this extent, we consider convex spaces as underlying universes and make use of lattice operations in convex spaces to formalize the notion of quantiles. We also put in evidence that many important models of decision problems can be viewed as convex spaces-based models. Several properties of aggregation operators are translated into this general setting, and independence and invariance are used to provide axiomatic characterizations of quantiles.
Reversal of Resistance in Targeted Therapy of Metastatic Melanoma: Lessons Learned from Vemurafenib (BRAFV600E-Specific Inhibitor)
Authors: Torres-Collado Antoni , Knott Jeffrey , Jazirehi Ali
Published: May 2018

Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and has a very low survival rate. Over 50% of melanomas harbor various BRAF mutations with the most common being the V600E. BRAFV600E mutation that causes constitutive activation of the MAPK pathway leading to drug-, immune-resistance, apoptosis evasion, proliferation, survival, and metastasis of melanomas. The ATP competitive BRAFV600E selective inhibitor, vemurafenib, has shown dramatic success in clinical trials; promoting tumor regression and an increase in overall survival of patients with metastatic melanoma. Regrettably, vemurafenib-resistance develops over an average of six months, which renders melanomas resistant to other therapeutic strategies. Elucidation of the underlying mechanism(s) of acquisition of vemurafenib-resistance and design of novel approaches to override resistance is the subject of intense clinical and basic research. In this review, we summarize recent developments in therapeutic approaches and clinical investigations on melanomas with BRAFV600E mutation to establish a new platform for the treatment of melanoma.
Beyond the Edge of Hypomethylating Agents: Novel Combination Strategies for Older Adults with Advanced MDS and AML
Authors: Kubasch Anne Sophie , Platzbecker Uwe
Published: May 2018

Higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) of the elderly exhibit several commonalities, including first line treatment with hypomethylating agents (HMA) like azacitidine (AZA) or decitabine (DAC). Until today, response to treatment occurs in less than 50 percent of patients, and is often short-lived. Moreover, patients failing HMA have a dismal prognosis. Current developments include combinations of HMA with novel drugs targeting epigenetic or immunomodulatory pathways. Other efforts focus on the prevention of resistance to HMA using checkpoint inhibitors to enhance immune attack. This review focuses on recent advances in the field of HMA-based front-line therapies in elderly patients with myeloid diseases.
Deregulation of Negative Controls on TGF-β1 Signaling in Tumor Progression
Authors: Tang Jiaqi , Gifford Cody , Samarakoon Rohan , Higgins Paul
Published: May 2018

The multi-functional cytokine transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) has growth inhibitory and anti-inflammatory roles during homeostasis and the early stages of cancer. Aberrant TGF-β activation in the late-stages of tumorigenesis, however, promotes development of aggressive growth characteristics and metastatic spread. Given the critical importance of this growth factor in fibrotic and neoplastic disorders, the TGF-β1 network is subject to extensive, multi-level negative controls that impact receptor function, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2/3 (SMAD2/3) activation, intracellular signal bifurcation into canonical and non-canonical pathways and target gene promotor engagement. Such negative regulators include phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN), protein phosphatase magnesium 1A (PPM1A), Klotho, bone morphogenic protein 7 (BMP7), SMAD7, Sloan-Kettering Institute proto-oncogene/ Ski related novel gene (Ski/SnoN), and bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound Inhibitor (BAMBI). The progression of certain cancers is accompanied by loss of expression, overexpression, mislocalization, mutation or deletion of several endogenous repressors of the TGF-β1 cascade, further modulating signal duration/intensity and phenotypic reprogramming. This review addresses how their aberrant regulation contributes to cellular plasticity, tumor progression/metastasis and reversal of cell cycle arrest and discusses the unexplored therapeutic value of restoring the expression and/or function of these factors as a novel approach to cancer treatment.
A Phase II Study of Pelareorep (REOLYSIN®) in Combination with Gemcitabine for Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Mahalingam Devalingam , Goel Sanjay , Aparo Santiago , Patel Arora Sukeshi , Noronha Nicole , Tran Hue , Chakrabarty Romit , Selvaggi Giovanni , Gutierrez Andres , Coffey Matthew , Nawrocki Steffan , Nuovo Gerard , Mita Monica
Published: May 2018

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a poor prognosis, with 1 and 5-year survival rates of ~18% and 7% respectively. FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine in combination with nab-paclitaxel are standard treatment options for metastatic disease. However, both regimens are more toxic than gemcitabine alone. Pelareorep (REOLYSIN®), a proprietary isolate of reovirus Type 3 Dearing, has shown antitumor activity in clinical and preclinical models. In addition to direct cytotoxic effects, pelareorep can trigger antitumor immune responses. Due to the high frequency of RAS mutations in PDAC, we hypothesized that pelareorep would promote selective reovirus replication in pancreatic tumors and enhance the anticancer activity of gemcitabine. Chemotherapy-naïve patients with advanced PDAC were eligible for the study. The primary objective was Clinical Benefit Rate (complete response (CR) + partial response (PR) + stable disease (SD) ≥ 12 weeks) and secondary objectives include overall survival (OS), toxicity, and pharmacodynamics (PD) analysis. The study enrolled 34 patients; results included one partial response, 23 stable disease, and 5 progressive disease. The median OS was 10.2 months, with a 1- and 2-year survival rate of 45% and 24%, respectively. The treatment was well tolerated with manageable nonhematological toxicities. PD analysis revealed reovirus replication within pancreatic tumor and associated apoptosis. Upregulation of immune checkpoint marker PD-L1 suggests future consideration of combining oncolytic virus therapy with anti-PD-L1 inhibitors. We conclude that pelareorep complements single agent gemcitabine in PDAC.
Epstein Barr Virus-Associated Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Carbone Antonino , Gloghini Annunziata
Published: May 2018

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is a distinct clinical and pathological entity with heterogeneous genetic and virological features, with regards to Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. The variable association of cHL with EBV infection is probably related to the different levels of patient immunosuppression, both locally in the tumour tissue and at the systemic level. This review paper focuses on EBV-related cHL highlighting pathogenetic and pathological features that may impact pathobiology-driven treatment for the affected patients.
The ADP-Ribosyl-Transferases Diphtheria Toxin-Like (ARTDs) Family: An Overview
Authors: Di Girolamo Maria , Fabrizio Gaia
Published: May 2018

Poly-ADP-ribosylation is a post-translational modification that occurs in multicellular organisms, including plants and some lower unicellular eukaryotes. The founding member of the PARP family is PARP1. To date, 17 members of the PARP family have been identified, which differ from each other in terms of domain organization, transmodification targets, cellular localization, and biological functions. In recent years, considering structural and biochemical features of the different members of the PARP family, a new classification has been proposed. Thus, enzymes firstly classified as PARP are now named diphtheria-toxin-like ARTs, abbreviated to ARTDs, in accordance with the prototype bacterial toxin that their structural aspects resemble, with numbers indicating the different proteins of the family. The 17 human ARTD enzymes can be divided on the basis of their catalytic activity into polymerases (ARTD1–6), mono-ADP-ribosyl-transferases (ARTD7–17), and the inactive ARTD13. In recent years, ADP-ribosylation was intensively studied, and research was dominated by studies focusing on the role of this modification and its implication on various cellular processes. The aim of this review is to provide a general overview of the ARTD enzymes, with a special focus on mono-ARTDs.
Farmer Perceptions and Climate Change Adaptation in the West Africa Sudan Savannah: Reality Check in Dassari, Benin, and Dano, Burkina Faso
Authors: Callo-Concha Daniel
Published: May 2018

Climate change is a great threat to the already climate-unstable West Africa. Current and potential impacts are especially hard on farming in the Sudan savannah, thus adaptation is widely advised and encouraged, and already occurring. In the study sites Dassari, Benin, and Dano, Burkina Faso, farmers’ climate change perceptions and practiced coping measures were qualitatively and quantitatively recorded. Analyses included statistical testing to detach anecdotal responses from factual decisions. Results reveal that responses regarding climate change perception and adaptation are frequently subjective, conjectural and inconsistent. Farmers’ acknowledge that adaptations to climate change impacts are diverse, but site specific. Measures do not causally respond to the type of hazard, nor to its impacts, but instead tend to address wide-ranging demands, such as household food security, income generation and capitalization. Hence, causally linking hazards, impacts and responses can be misleading, and measures can thus be ineffective. After our findings, key qualities of effective coping measures are short-term economic returns, compatibility with local ecological, social and institutional settings and agreeing with the customary farming traditions. With respect to operability, the national agricultural extension services are still the most relevant instances. Considering these aspects can support local farming adaptation and also increase the general resilience of the households.
Sensitivity of the Madden Julian Oscillation to Ocean Warming in a Lagrangian Atmospheric Model
Authors: Haertel Patrick
Published: May 2018

The Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) is the largest contributor to intraseasonal weather variations in the tropics. It is associated with a broad region of enhanced rainfall that moves slowly eastward over the Indian and western Pacific Oceans, which has global impacts on atmospheric circulations. A number of recent observational and modeling studies have suggested that the MJO is becoming stronger as the oceans warm. In this study, the author explores the sensitivity of the MJO to ocean warming in a recently developed Lagrangian Atmospheric Model (LAM), which has been shown to simulate robust and realistic MJOs in previous work. Numerical simulations suggest that ocean warming leads to more frequent and intense MJOs that propagate more rapidly and cover a larger region of the tropics. The strengthening of the MJO is attributed to enhanced surface fluxes of moisture coming from the warmer ocean waters. While the LAM simulations have a number of limitations owing to idealized physical parameterizations and the use of prescribed sea surface temperatures, they provide additional evidence that the MJO will strengthen if the oceans continue to warm, and they also shed light on the mechanism of this strengthening.
The Effect of Processing Parameters on the Formation and Properties of Al/Ni Core-Shell Pigments via a Galvanic Displacement Method
Authors: Yuan Le , Zhou Min , Wang Can , Zhang Qinyong , Weng Xiaolong , Deng Longjiang
Published: May 2018

Al/Ni bimetallic core-shell pigments with flake Al particle as core and metallic Ni as shell were synthesized via a galvanic displacement method and studied with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron micrograph (SEM), specific surface area analysis (BET), thermogravimetry-differential thermalanalysis (TG/DSC), and visible-near infrared-infrared reflectance spectroscopy. The influence of reactant ratio (Al:Ni2+) and order of addition on phase structure, surface morphology, optical properties, and high temperature oxidation resistance properties were studied systematically. The results show that the local concentration of Ni2+ at solid-liquid interfaces can be effectively modulated by adjusting the reactant ratio and order of addition. A high local concentration of Ni2+ improves the rate of displacement reaction resulting in more metallic Ni on the surface of the flake Al powders. This increases the relative content of Ni in the shell. The change of displacement reaction rate also leads to a different surface morphology and roughness of the Ni shell. The thick and rough Ni shell has a strong absorption extinction due to the intense light scattering and absorption-this substantially reduces the spectral reflectance of the flake Al core. Infrared reflectance in particular is influenced by light scattering and absorption of the rough surface. In addition, the Ni shell can enhance the high temperature oxidation resistance of the Al core by preventing contact between the metallic Al substrate and oxygen. The oxidation resistance is also associated with the processing parameters of the galvanic displacement reaction.