bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers and uncertainties of forecasted range shifts for warm-water fishes under climate and land cover change
Authors: Bouska Kristen L. , Whitledge Gregory W. , Lant Christopher , Schoof Justin
Published: May 2018

Land cover is an important determinant of aquatic habitat and is projected to shift with climate changes, yet climate-driven land cover changes are rarely factored into climate assessments. To quantify impacts and uncertainty of coupled climate and land cover change on warm-water fish species’ distributions, we used an ensemble model approach to project distributions of 14 species. For each species, current range projections were compared to 27 scenario-based projections and aggregated to visualize uncertainty. Multiple regression and model selection techniques were used to identify drivers of range change. Novel, or no-analogue, climates were assessed to evaluate transferability of models. Changes in total probability of occurrence ranged widely across species, from a 63% increase to a 65% decrease. Distributional gains and losses were largely driven by temperature and flow variables and underscore the importance of habitat heterogeneity and connectivity to facilitate adaptation to changing conditions. Finally, novel climate conditions were driven by mean annual maximum temperature, which stresses the importance of understanding the role of temperature on fish physiology and the role of temperature-mitigating management practices.
Computational fluid dynamic analysis of roof-mounted vertical-axis wind turbine with diffuser shroud, flange, and vanes
Authors: Abu-Thuraia H. , Aygun C. , Paraschivoiu M. , Allard M.A.
Published: May 2018

Advances in wind power and tidal power have matured considerably to offer clean and sustainable energy alternatives. Nevertheless, distributed small-scale energy production from wind in urban areas has been disappointing because of very low efficiencies of the turbines. A novel wind turbine design — a seven-bladed Savonius vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) that is horizontally oriented inside a diffuser shroud and mounted on top of a building — has been shown to overcome the drawback of low efficiency. The objective this study was to analyze the performance of this novel wind turbine design for different wind directions and for different guide vanes placed at the entrance of the diffuser shroud. The flow field over the turbine and guide vanes was analyzed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) on a 3D grid for multiple tip-speed ratios (TSRs). Four wind directions and three guide-vane angles were analyzed. The wind-direction analysis indicates that the power coefficient decreases to about half when the wind is oriented at 45° to the main axis of the turbine. The analysis of the guide vanes indicates a maximum power coefficient of 0.33 at a vane angle of 55°.
Nonlinear implicit Green’s functions for numerical approximation of partial differential equations: Generalized Burgers’ equation and nonlinear wave equation with damping
Authors: Khurshudyan Asatur Zh.
Published: May 2018

A representation formula for second-order nonhomogeneous nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) has been recently constructed by M. Frasca using its Green’s function, i.e. the solution of the corresponding nonlinear differential equation with a Dirac delta function instead of its nonhomogeneity. It has been shown that the first-order term–the convolution of the nonlinear Green’s function and the right-hand side, analogous to the Green’s representation formula for linear equations — provides a numerically efficient solution of the original equation, while the higher order terms add complementary corrections. The cases of square and sine nonlinearities have been studied by Frasca. Some new cases of explicit determination of nonlinear Green’s function have been studied previously by us. Here, we gather nonlinear equations and their explicitly determined Green’s functions from existing references, as well as investigate new nonlinearities leading to implicit determination of nonlinear Green’s function. Some transformations allowing to reduce second-order nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) to nonlinear ODEs are considered, meaning that Frasca’s method can be applied to second-order PDEs as well. We perform a numerical error analysis for a generalized Burgers’ equation and a nonlinear wave equation with a damping term in comparison with the method of lines.
Exponentially fitted two-step hybrid methods for the resonant state of the Schrödinger equation
Authors: Fang Yonglei , Yang Yanping , You Xiong
Published: May 2018

A family of exponentially fitted two-step hybrid methods for the numerical integration of the Schrödinger equation is investigated. The asymptotic expressions of the local errors for large energies are presented. The stability of the new methods is analyzed. Numerical results are reported for the widely used Woods–Saxon potential to show the efficiency of the new methods. The error analysis is clearly tested by the resonance problem.
An On-Chip Digital Monostable Multivibrator Using Inverter-based Delay Chains
Authors: Wan Meilin , Zhang Yin , Zhang Ming , Gu Haoshuang
Published: May 2018

Monostable multivibrator or one-shot timer is widely used in signal processing. In this paper, a simple and useful way to realize retriggerable monostable multivibrator by using digital logic gates is presented. The basic circuit is composed of one D flip-flop, one NAND gate, one inverter (INV) and two inverter-based delay chains. The width of the output pulse is adjusted through tuning the delay of the inverter-based delay chain. The retriggerable characteristic is realized by resetting all the delayed signals when new triggering occurs in the current monostable period. The basic circuit is designed and fabricated on-chip using a 180[Formula: see text]nm standard CMOS process with effective area less than 1200[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m2. The retriggerable version is realized in a FPGA platform. Both simulated and measured results are in agreement with the theoretical analysis.
Flexible Architectures for Cryptographic Algorithms — A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Rashid Muhammad , Imran Malik , Jafri Atif Raza , Al-Somani Turki F.
Published: May 2018

Symmetric and asymmetric cryptographic algorithms are used for a secure transmission of data over an unsecured public channel. In order to use these algorithms in real-time applications, many flexible hardware architectures have been proposed and implemented with multiple design constraints. Therefore, a systematic study is required to analyze various implementation approaches. This paper has focused on the identification and classification of recent research practices pertaining to the flexible hardware implementation of cryptographic algorithms. We have used Systematic Literature Review (SLR) process to identify 51 research articles, published during 2008–2017. The identified researches have been classified according to three design approaches: (1) crypto processor, (2) crypto coprocessor and (3) multicore crypto processor. Consequently, a comparative analysis of various cryptographic algorithms in terms of flexibility, throughput, area, power and implementation technology has been presented. A comprehensive investigation of flexible architectures for implementing cryptographic algorithms facilitates researchers and designers of the domain to select an appropriate design approach for a particular algorithm and/or application according to their needs.
Fast Transient Capacitor-Less Low-Dropout Regulator Based on Output Voltage Spike Reduction Circuits for SOC Applications
Authors: Jahangiri M. , Farrokhi A.
Published: May 2018

A fast transient capacitor-less low-dropout regulator is presented in this study. The proposed LDO structure is based on Output Voltage Spike Reduction (OVSR) circuits and capacitance compensation circuits to enable a fast-transient response with ultra-low power dissipation and to make the LDO stable for a wide range of output load currents (0–50[Formula: see text]mA). The slew rate is improved with more slew current from the OVSR circuit and unity gain bandwidth is improved by a capacitor multiplayer circuit. The proposed LDO has been simulated with a standard 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m CMOS process. The output voltage of the LDO was set to 1.2[Formula: see text]V for an input voltage of 1.4–2[Formula: see text]V. The Simulation results verify that the transient times are less than 2.8[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s and the maximum undershoot and overshoot are 20[Formula: see text]mV while consuming only 26[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A quiescent current. The proposed LDO is stable with an on-chip capacitor at the output node within the wide range of 1100[Formula: see text]PF.
A Low Complexity Digital Foreground Calibration Technique for CMOS Pipelined ADCs
Authors: Liu Maliang , Zhang Sirui , Jin Hu , Zhu Zhangming , Yang Yintang
Published: May 2018

A low complexity all-digital foreground calibration technique to correct linear and nonlinear errors is proposed for pipeline ADCs in this paper. This method based on the integral nonlinearity (INL) piecewise least-squares fitting improves the linearity and obtains better SNR and SFDR performance. Two switches are added to the pre-stage reference ladder to achieve an accurate measurement of the INL and DNL of the backend ADC, which reduces the calibration complexity and improves the linearity effectively. The method was applied to a 125[Formula: see text]MS/s 14-bit pipeline ADC fabricated in a 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m CMOS process. The raw DNL and INL were 1[Formula: see text]LSB and 8[Formula: see text]LSB, respectively, without calibration, but with calibration, they were respectively improved to 0.25[Formula: see text]LSB and 2[Formula: see text]LSB. The ADC achieved an SNR of 64.5[Formula: see text]dB, an SFDR of 73.8[Formula: see text]dB and a THD of 72.7[Formula: see text]dB with a 10[Formula: see text]MHz input signal without calibration, but after calibration these figures were improved to 72.6[Formula: see text]dB, 87.5[Formula: see text]dB and 86.6[Formula: see text]dB, respectively. Its application can also be extended to SAR ADC architecture, etc.
A Dual Frequency RF-DC Rectifier Circuit with a Low Input Power for Radio Frequency Energy Harvesting
Authors: Mnif Mohamed Mokhlès , Mnif Hassene , Loulou Mourad
Published: May 2018

The energy-harvesting radio frequency (RF) can be an attractive alternative energy capable of replacing all or some of the board batteries. The RF waves are present in several high frequencies ([Formula: see text] GHz) and at low power (a few [Formula: see text]W). An energy-harvesting circuit designed must provide 1[Formula: see text]V voltage at minimum that is able to operate an actuator or a sensor. The RF-DC rectifier is the main component of an energy-harvesting circuit. This paper presents a new design RF-DC rectifier circuit using the MOSFET transistors, the capacitors and the inductors. Our proposed circuit is a combination of an Inductor–Capacitor–Inductor–Capacitor (LCLC) serie-parallel resonant tank (SPRT) and rectifier cascade using the Dynamic threshold Voltage Cancellation (DVC) and the technique of the Internal threshold Voltage Cancellation (IVC). Our proposed circuit operates in dual frequencies [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GHz and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GHz with a low input power [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]W ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dbm) and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]W ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dbm), respectively. This circuit gives a Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE) of 56.9% and an output voltage [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V for the frequency 2.543[Formula: see text]GHz and a PCE of 62.6% and an output voltage [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V for the frequency 4[Formula: see text]GHz. The pre-layout simulations were performed using the Advanced Design System (ADS) and the technology used is CMOS 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m from TSMC. The simulations were performed on the proposed circuit composed by three stages.
An Accelerator for Decoding Market Data Based on FPGA
Authors: Dou Yuhao , Zhou Yisu , Xin Bo
Published: May 2018

In securities trading, low latency helps investors take the leading position in the market. Conventionally, market data is decoded with software running on general computers. However, the serial structure of software and complex operating system scheduling cause high latency. This paper designs an accelerator for decoding market data based on field-programmable gate array (FPGA). We propose a pipeline in the accelerator, where every part works independently and parallelly. Furthermore, we present a mechanism for encoding templates, which avoids reconstructing the accelerator and decreases the cost when the template is renewed. We evaluate this accelerator with real Financial Information eXchange (FIX) messages and FIX Adapting for Streaming (FAST) templates, attaining an average latency of 447[Formula: see text]ns.
Body-Biased Subthreshold Bootstrapped CMOS Driver
Authors: Karthikeyan A. , Mallick P. S.
Published: May 2018

This paper proposes a body-biased bootstrapped CMOS driver for subthreshold applications. The proposed driver has been implemented with the same number of transistors as conventional bootstrapped CMOS driver. The performance of the subthreshold bootstrapped CMOS driver has been compared with the conventional bootstrapped CMOS driver. Our results show that the proposed body-biased subthreshold bootstrapped CMOS driver has 37% reduction in delay and 39% reduction in power dissipation compared to conventional bootstrapped CMOS driver. The proposed driver is more suitable to drive large loads compared to the conventional driver and operates better at subthreshold region.
Design and Analysis of an N-Path Filter with High Out-of-Band Rejection Using Feed-Forward Technique
Authors: Mohammadpour Amin , Nabavi Abdolreza
Published: May 2018

This paper presents an N-path filter with high out-of-band rejection using feed-forward technique. The structure utilizes two four-path filters, one as the main-path and the other as auxiliary-path, and two TIAs to increase the order of the filter from two to four. As a result of this, and due to using two series resistors in the main path, the out-of-band rejection is significantly improved. Analysis and simulations show that the series resistors can be chosen such that the NF degradation is below 2[Formula: see text]dB while the out-of-band rejection is improved by about 20[Formula: see text]dB. Therefore, the trade-off between the insertion-loss and out-of-band rejection is relaxed compared to conventional N-path filter. Also, it is shown that decreasing the size of baseband capacitors improves the NF of the filter. The effect of clock phase-noise on NF of the filter in the presence of strong out-of-band blocker is modeled and simulated.
Behavioral Modeling for Parallel- and Cascade-Connected dc–dc Converters
Authors: Ali Husan , Zheng Xiancheng , Zaman Haider , Liu Huamei , Wu Xiaohua
Published: May 2018

Analysis of distributed energy systems (DESs) is more challenging, as multiple energy sources are connected with different loads through power electronics converters. Modeling and simulation become an essential step during the design stage, prior to actual implementation. These DESs comprised numerous converters in various configurations, e.g., parallel and cascade. This paper presents behavioral modeling technique for interconnected converters that can be used to predict dynamics of overall system. First models are developed for two converters in parallel and cascade configuration using direct approach (DA). The model derivation using DA becomes too complex for larger systems. A new transformation-based approach (TBA) is proposed, which, unlike DA, is simple and can easily be extended to model [Formula: see text] interconnected converters. In this method, the measured [Formula: see text]-parameter set is transformed to another domain, equivalent model is computed simply by the addition or multiplication of transformed [Formula: see text]-parameters and then the equivalent model is transformed back to [Formula: see text]-parameter set. The modeling techniques are implemented in Matlab/Simulink. The results from DA and TBA are compared, and their close agreement suggests that the new TBA can be used for the analysis of interconnected systems, comprised of multiple parallel and cascade converters.
Regression-Based Prediction for Task-Based Program Performance
Authors: Oz Isil , Bhatti Muhammad Khurram , Popov Konstantin , Brorsson Mats
Published: May 2018

As multicore systems evolve by increasing the number of parallel execution units, parallel programming models have been released to exploit parallelism in the applications. Task-based programming model uses task abstractions to specify parallel tasks and schedules tasks onto processors at runtime. In order to increase the efficiency and get the highest performance, it is required to identify which runtime configuration is needed and how processor cores must be shared among tasks. Exploring design space for all possible scheduling and runtime options, especially for large input data, becomes infeasible and requires statistical modeling. Regression-based modeling determines the effects of multiple factors on a response variable, and makes predictions based on statistical analysis. In this work, we propose a regression-based modeling approach to predict the task-based program performance for different scheduling parameters with variable data size. We execute a set of task-based programs by varying the runtime parameters, and conduct a systematic measurement for influencing factors on execution time. Our approach uses executions with different configurations for a set of input data, and derives different regression models to predict execution time for larger input data. Our results show that regression models provide accurate predictions for validation inputs with mean error rate as low as 6.3%, and 14% on average among four task-based programs.
Compressible forced viscous fluid from product Einstein manifolds
Authors: Hao Xin , Wu Bin , Zhao Liu
Published: May 2018

We consider the fluctuation modes around a hypersurface [Formula: see text] in a [Formula: see text]-dimensional product Einstein manifold, with [Formula: see text] taken either near the horizon or at some finite cutoff from the horizon. By mapping the equations that govern the lowest nontrivial order of the fluctuation modes into a system of partial differential equations on a flat Newtonian spacetime, a system of compressible, forced viscous fluid is realized. This result generalizes the nonbulk/boundary holographic duality constructed by us recently to the case of a different background geometry.
Similar alignment based on total-Routhian-surface approach in an α-decay chain from 216Po to 272Cn
Authors: Chai Q. Z. , Zhao W. J. , Wang H. L.
Published: May 2018

A systematic investigation of collective properties in the nuclei of an [Formula: see text]-decay chain from [Formula: see text]Po to [Formula: see text]Cn has been performed in the total-Routhian-surface calculations. The empirical indicator [Formula: see text]-factor, energy ratio [Formula: see text], and the energies of the first excited state [Formula: see text] exhibit a hint about nuclear deformation or shape transition in these nuclei. The calculated results of ground state equilibrium deformations are compared with the previous study and available experimental data, showing a general agreement. In addition, the upbending behaviors in moments of inertia have been reproduced by the present work. It is found that the similar alignment of a neutron [Formula: see text] pair is mainly responsible for the upbending in the heavier nuclei. The gentle increasing angular momentums reveal the delayed alignment to certain high spins. Furthermore, taking the near proton drip-line nucleus [Formula: see text]Cn as an example, we briefly discussed the influence of the modification of Woods–Saxon potential parameters (e.g., the strength of the spin-orbit potential [Formula: see text] and the nuclear surface diffuseness [Formula: see text]) on the moment of inertia. This may imply the role of the slight parameter modifications is negligible due to almost unchanged deformation and pairing interactions at ground state.
ULTRAFINE CONTROL OF Cu NANOPARTICLES AND THEIR ANTIBIOTIC EFFECT ON E. coli
Authors: WANG QINGBIN , SHI LIANGYUAN , YANG YUN , HUANG HUI , JIE YI , LIN MINGWEI , LIANG JIANFU , LIU CHENG , SONG HANBIAO
Published: May 2018

Metallic nanoparticles have attracted intense interest for the potential applications in biocompatibility due to the reduced particle size. However, the methods to produce metallic nanoparticles usually produce an inhomogeneous size distribution. In this work, Cu nanoparticles were generated using a gas-aggregation cluster source technique, employing a specially designed quadrupole mass filter to control the size of the nanoparticles with a mass resolution (m/[Formula: see text]m) of 5. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis was used to confirm the size control of our technique. The generally high angular electronic scattering analysis revealed the spherical shapes of the Cu nanoparticles. We used beams of these nanoparticles to prepare nano-granular films on a Si substrate. Their antibacterial effect of the modified materials on Escherichia coli was assessed by means of a bacterial adhesion test. Our results may not only reveal the cluster technique to produce the uniform metallic nanoparticles, but also form the basis of antibacterial applications.
Indices for Financial Market Volatility Obtained Through Fuzzy Regression
Authors: Muzzioli Silvia , Gambarelli Luca , De Baets Bernard
Published: May 2018

The measurement of volatility is of fundamental importance in finance. Standard market practice adopted for volatility estimation from option prices leads to a considerable loss of information and the introduction of an element of arbitrariness in the volatility index computation. We propose to adopt fuzzy regression methods in order to include all the available information from option prices, and to obtain an informative volatility index. In fact, the obtained fuzzy volatility indices not only offer a most possible value, but also a lower and an upper bound for the interval of possible values, providing investors with an additional source of information. We also propose a defuzzification procedure to select a representative value within this interval. Moreover, we investigate the occurrence of truncation and discretization errors in volatility index computation by adopting an interpolation-extrapolation method. We also test the forecasting power of each volatility index on future realized volatility.
A Reliable Method for Consistency Improving of Interval Multiplicative Preference Relations Expressed under Uncertainty
Authors: López-Morales Virgilio
Published: May 2018

When a diverse group of experts share their knowledge to ascertain and solve a particular multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem, uncertainty arises from several sources. In those cases, the interval multiplicative preference relation (IMPR) approach is a useful technique when verifying consistency. As illustrated in this paper, the validation and the improvement of consistency require robust analysis tools and algorithms. The proposed methodology provides reliable and consistent IMPR, which can be quantified in terms of row geometric mean method (RGMM) or the eigenvalue method (EM). In this manner, decision makers’ choices are implicitly including their uncertainty while maintaining acceptable consistency. The present approach is based on the Hadamard’s dissimilarity operator and through an algorithm, the derivation of a reliable and consistent IMPR is synthesized. In order to illustrate our results and compare them appropriately with other methodologies, a few examples are addressed and solved.
Small totally p-adic algebraic numbers
Authors: Pottmeyer Lukas
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this note is to give a short and elementary proof of the fact that the absolute logarithmic Weil-height is bounded from below by a positive constant for all totally [Formula: see text]-adic numbers which are neither zero nor a root of unity. The proof is based on an idea of C. Petsche and gives the best known lower bounds in this setting. These bounds differ from the truth by a term of less than [Formula: see text].
Seismic Control of High-Rise Buildings Equipped with ATMD Including Soil-Structure Interaction Effects
Authors: Shahi Mohammad , Sohrabi Mohammad Reza , Etedali Sadegh
Published: May 2018

The seismic behavior of the structures equipped with ATMD is often investigated based on the rigid base assumption without considering soil-structure interaction (SSI) effects. The SSI effects significantly modify the dynamic characteristics of the structures, while these changes may be ignored in the design process of the controllers. The present paper aims to address the issue of the SSI effects on the seismic behavior of the structures and performance of the adopted controllers. For this purpose, a mathematical model is developed for the time domain analysis of tall building equipped with ATMD including SSI effects. Considering the fixed base case and three types of ground states, namely soft, medium and dense soil, the numerical studies are carried out on a 40-story structure subjected to different earthquake excitations. Two well-known controllers, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) and linear-quadratic regulator (LQR) controllers, are employed for tuning control force of ATMD in different conditions of ground state. A particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used for the optimum design of Tuned mass damper (TMD) parameter and the gain matrices of the controllers in both cases without and with SSI effects. It is found that TMDs are more effective for the higher soil stiffness and their efficiencies are degraded in soft soils. Furthermore, the SSI significantly affects on the optimum design of the PID and LQR controllers. The adopted controllers are significantly able to mitigate the peak top floor displacement of the tall building. In addition that the PID controller is a simple strategy with design variables much less than LQR controller, it performs better than the LQR controller in most earthquakes for different conditions of ground state. The performance of the controllers decreases with increasing soil softness, so that ignoring the SSI effects may result in incorrect and unrealistic results of the seismic behavior of the structures.
Au-sensitized WO3 nanoparticles synthesized and their enhanced acetone sensing properties
Authors: Xue Dongping , Zhang Zhanying
Published: May 2018

Au-sensitized WO3 nanoparticles have been synthesized by a facile two-step hydrothermal method. The structures, morphologies and surface compositions of the materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The test results show that we have prepared higher purity Au-sensitized WO3 nanoparticles. The gas-sensing properties of pure and Au-sensitized WO3 nanoparticles on acetone vapor were further investigated. The results obtained show that the response-recovery time of the two samples prepared is relatively short compared to that reported in the current literature. The Au-sensitized WO3 nanoparticles are significantly more sensitive and selective than the pure WO3 nanoparticles. This may be mainly attributed to the synergy between Au and WO3. It is expected that the Au-sensitized WO3 nanoparticles thus prepared can also be used for research in other fields.
Complex permittivity spectra of binary polar liquids using time domain reflectometry
Authors: Tabassum Shagufta , Pawar V. P.
Published: May 2018

The study of complex properties in a binary mixture of polar liquids has been carried out in the frequency range of 10[Formula: see text]MHz to 30 GHz at 293[Formula: see text]K and 298[Formula: see text]K temperatures using time domain reflectometry. The complex properties of polar liquids in binary mixture give information about the frequency dispersion in the dielectric permittivity ([Formula: see text]) and dielectric loss ([Formula: see text]). The information regarding the orientation of electric dipoles in a polar liquid mixture is given by Kirkwood parameters. The Bruggeman parameters are used as the indicator of liquid1 and liquid2 interaction. Molar entropy ([Formula: see text]) and molar enthalpy ([Formula: see text]) are also discussed at the end of the paper.
Peace from Outsiders: The United States and China in Darfur’s Peace Process
Authors: Zilong Cheng
Published: May 2018

This paper categorizes intervention activities into two types, namely, coercive and supportive ones. Both means are usually applied together in resolving internal conflicts of a fragile country, yet Western powers tend to employ coercive intervention more frequently, while developing countries prefer supportive intervention. By comparing the roles that the United States and China played in the Darfur crisis as a case study, this paper explores how different means of intervention interact and how the means adopted by one party influence the other’s policy orientation. The mutual construction of national interests, national capacity and international values of different intervening powers constitute the analytical framework of this paper. In the case of Darfur, coercive intervention was found to impose more influence on the supportive one, while the latter played an indispensable role in facilitating the peace process in Darfur. As a leading power in favor of supportive engagement, China should learn to better deal with the coercive means of Western powers while working with all parties concerned to resolve internal conflicts of the target country by a pragmatic approach.
Spatial Groundwater Management: A Dynamic Game Framework and Application to California
Authors: Sears Louis , Lim David , Lin Lawell C.-Y. Cynthia
Published: May 2018

The design of policies and institutions to promote the sustainable management of groundwater resources for use in agriculture is both a long-term and short-term challenge in California and globally. When designing groundwater management policies, it is important to account for spatial externalities that may lead groundwater users to behave non-cooperatively. Spatial externalities arise because groundwater users face a common pool resource problem: because farmers are sharing the aquifer with other farmers, other farmers’ pumping affects their extraction cost and the amount of water they have available to pump. In this paper, we present a dynamic game framework for analyzing spatial groundwater management. In particular, we characterize the Markov perfect equilibrium resulting from non-cooperative behavior, and compare it with the socially optimal coordinated solution. In order to analyze the benefits from internalizing spatial externalities in California, we calibrate our dynamic game framework to California, and conduct a numerical analysis to calculate the deadweight loss arising from non-cooperative behavior. Results show that the inefficiencies arising from spatial externalities are driven by higher returns on crops, electricity input prices, whether the crop is an annual crop versus a perennial, the level of the groundwater stock, the climate of the region, and the adjustment costs of fallowing production. We find that the benefits from coordinated management in California are particularly high when crop prices are high.
A Survey of Standardized Approaches towards the Quality of Experience Evaluation for Video Services: An ITU Perspective
Authors: Pal Debajyoti , Triyason Tuul
Published: May 2018

Over the past few years there has been an exponential increase in the amount of multimedia data being streamed over the Internet. At the same time, we are also witnessing a change in the way quality of any particular service is interpreted, with more emphasis being given to the end-users. Thus, silently there has been a paradigm shift from the traditional Quality of Service approach (QoS) towards a Quality of Experience (QoE) model while evaluating the service quality. A lot of work that tries to evaluate the quality of audio, video, and multimedia services over the Internet has been done. At the same time, research is also going on trying to map the two different domains of quality metrics, i.e., the QoS and QoE domain. Apart from the work done by individual researchers, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has been quite active in this area of quality assessment. This is obvious from the large number of ITU standards that are available for different application types. The sheer variety of techniques being employed by ITU as well as other researchers sometimes tends to be too complex and diversified. Although there are survey papers that try to present the current state of the art methodologies for video quality evaluation, none has focused on the ITU perspective. In this work, we try to fill up this void by presenting up-to-date information on the different measurement methods that are currently being employed by ITU for a video streaming scenario. We highlight the outline of each method with sufficient detail and try to analyze the challenges being faced along with the direction of future research.
A Parametric Investigation on Energy-Saving Effect of Solar Building Based on Double Phase Change Material Layer Wallboard
Authors: Tong Xiaoxiao , Xiong Xingyao
Published: May 2018

In order to further understand the thermal performance of the double phase change material (PCM) layer wallboard, the wallboard model was established and a comprehensively numerical parametric investigation was carried out. The variation laws of inner wall temperature rise and the heat flux transferred under different phase transition temperatures and thermal conductivities are presented in detail. The main results show that the temperature of the inside wall for case 2 can be reduced by about 1.5 K further compared to that for case 1. About 83% of the heat transferred from the outside is absorbed by the PCM layer in case 2. Reducing the phase transition temperature of the PCM layer can decrease the inside wall temperature to a certain extent in the period of high temperature. The utilization of double PCM layers shows much more performance compared to that of the single PCM layer case, and the temperature of the inside wall can be reduced by 2 K further.
A Preliminary Study of microRNA-208b after Acute Myocardial Infarction: Impact on 6-Month Survival
Authors: Alavi-Moghaddam Mostafa , Chehrazi Mohammad , Alipoor Shamila D. , Mohammadi Maryam , Baratloo Alireza , Mahjoub Mohammad Parsa , Movasaghi Mehrnaz , Garssen Johan , Adcock Ian M. , Mortaz Esmaeil
Published: May 2018

Introduction. miRNAs contribute to a variety of essential biological processes including development, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Circulating microRNAs are very stable and have shown potential as biomarkers of cardiovascular disease. microRNA-208b expression was increased in the blood of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and has been proposed as a biomarker for early diagnosis. In this pilot study, we investigate the potential of circulating miR-208b as a prognostic biomarker of 6-month survival in AMI patients. Methods. Plasma samples from 21 patients and 8 age- and gender-matched healthy adults were collected, and circulating levels of miR-208b were detected using quantitative real-time PCR. Results. miR-208b levels were higher in healthy control subjects (9.6-fold; P≤0.05). Within the AMI patients, the levels of miR-208b were significantly lower in the survivor versus nonsurvivor group (fold change = 6.51 and 14.1, resp.; P≤0.05). The Kaplan-Meier curve revealed that the 6-month survival time was significantly higher among AMI patients with a relative expression of miR-208b lower than 12.38. The hazard ratio (HR) for the relative expression of miR-208b (<12.38 was the reference) was 5.08 (95% CI: 1.13–22.82; P=0.03). Conclusion. Our results showed that elevated miR-208b expression was associated with reduced long-term survival in AMI patients. These pilot data indicate the need for a large follow-up study to confirm whether miR-208b can be used as a predictor of 6-month survival time after AMI.
Burkholderia pseudomalleiAdaptation for Survival in Stressful Conditions
Authors: Duangurai Taksaon , Indrawattana Nitaya , Pumirat Pornpan
Published: May 2018

Burkholderia pseudomalleiis a Gram-negative bacterium that causes melioidosis, which can be fatal in humans. Melioidosis is prevalent in the tropical regions of Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. Ecological data have shown that this bacterium can survive as a free-living organism in environmental niches, such as soil and water, as well as a parasite living in host organisms, such as ameba, plants, fungi, and animals. This review provides an overview of the survival and adaptation ofB. pseudomalleito stressful conditions induced by hostile environmental factors, such as salinity, oxidation, and iron levels. The adaptation ofB. pseudomalleiin host cells is also reviewed. The adaptive survival mechanisms of this pathogen mainly involve modulation of gene and protein expression, which could cause alterations in the bacteria’s cell membrane, metabolism, and virulence. Understanding the adaptations of this organism to environmental factors provides important insights into the survival and pathogenesis ofB. pseudomallei, which may lead to the development of novel strategies for the control, prevention, and treatment of melioidosis in the future.
Model‐Based Dynamic Structural Modification of Machine Tools
Authors: Wąsik Mateusz , Lis Krzysztof , Lehrich Krzysztof , Mucha Łukasz
Published: May 2018

The article proposes modification of machine tool structures methodology on the example of a body of vertical milling centre stand. It is based on the results of experimental research and allows for the prediction of dynamic features of individual bodies and complete structures on the basis of the described modal model. It takes into account the possibility of mass change at the model node and the introduction of additional rigidity and damping by a combination of selected nodes of the model. The methodology can be applied in the case of machine tools in which the loss of stability has been found during its maintenance, what consequently disables the possibility of machining with the required machining parameters from the performance point of view. Modal parameters modification is based on structural dynamic modification techniques and preliminary simulation tests performed by using Finite Element Method (FEM) and verification with experimental research.
State-of-the-Art Techniques to Causally Link Neural Plasticity to Functional Recovery in Experimental Stroke Research
Authors: Wahl Anna-Sophia
Published: May 2018

Current experimental stroke research faces the same challenge as neuroscience: to transform correlative findings in causative ones. Research of recent years has shown the tremendous potential of the central nervous system to react to noxious stimuli such as a stroke: Increased plastic changes leading to reorganization in form of neuronal rewiring, neurogenesis, and synaptogenesis, accompanied by transcriptional and translational turnover in the affected cells, have been described both clinically and in experimental stroke research. However, only minor attempts have been made to connect distinct plastic remodeling processes as causative features for specific behavioral phenotypes. Here, we review current state-of the art techniques for the examination of cortical reorganization and for the manipulation of neuronal circuits as well as techniques which combine anatomical changes with molecular profiling. We provide the principles of the techniques together with studies in experimental stroke research which have already applied the described methodology. The tools discussed are useful to close the loop from our understanding of stroke pathology to the behavioral outcome and may allow discovering new targets for therapeutic approaches. The here presented methods open up new possibilities to assess the efficiency of rehabilitative strategies by understanding their external influence for intrinsic repair mechanisms on a neurobiological basis.
Dietary Inclusion of a Mixed Powder of Medicinal Plant Leaves Enhances the Feed Efficiency and Immune Function in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Aroche Roisbel , Martínez Yordan , Ruan Zheng , Guan Guiping , Waititu Samuel , Nyachoti Charles M. , Más Dairon , Lan Shile
Published: May 2018

The trial was designed to determine the effect of the mixed powder of leaves of Anacardium occidentale (60%), Psidium guajava (20%), and Morinda citrifolia (20%) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and immunoglobulin concentration in broiler chickens. A total of 80 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments from days 1 to 21 of age, with 8 replicates by treatments and 5 birds per replicate. Treatments consisted of a control diet (T0) and the dietary inclusion of 0.5% of mixed powder of medicinal plant leaves (T1). The inclusion of herbs decreases the feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR; P<0.05) in week 2 and in the period studied (1–21 days) compared with T0 but did not modify (P<0.05) the body weight (BW) and average gain (AG). Also, the mixed powder has no influence (P>0.05) on nutrient digestibility and IgA concentration; however, the IgG concentration increased by the effect of this experimental treatment. The results allow recommending the dietary inclusion of mixed powder of medicinal plant leaves as an alternative for obtaining acceptable performance in broilers.
Cytoprotective Roles of a Novel Compound, MHY‐1684, against Hyperglycemia‐Induced Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Human Cardiac Progenitor Cells
Authors: Jang Woong Bi , Park Ji Hye , Ji Seung Taek , Lee Na Kyung , Kim Da Yeon , Kim Yeon Ju , Jung Seok Yun , Kang Songhwa , Lamichane Shreekrishna , Lamichane Babita Dahal , Ha Jongseong , Yun Jisoo , Moon Hyung Ryong , Baek Sang Hong , Chung Hae Young , Kwon Sang-Mo
Published: May 2018

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is tightly linked to heart disorders and dysfunction or death of the cardiomyocytes including resident cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) in diabetic patients. In order to restore loss of function of resident or transplanted CPCs, much research has focused on novel therapeutic strategies including the discovery of novel function‐modulating factors such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers. Here, we developed and defined a novel antioxidant, MHY‐1684, for enhancing the angiogenic potential of CPCs against ROS‐related DCM. Short‐term treatment with MHY‐1684 restored ROS‐induced CPC cell death. Importantly, MHY‐1684 decreased hyperglycemia‐induced mitochondrial ROS generation and attenuated hyperglycemia‐induced mitochondrial fragmentation. We observed that the activation process of both Drp1 (phosphorylation at the site of Ser616) and Fis‐1 is drastically attenuated when exposed to high concentrations of D‐glucose with MHY‐1684. Interestingly, phosphorylation of Drp1 at the site of Ser637, which is an inhibitory signal for mitochondrial fusion, is restored by MHY‐1684 treatment, suggesting that this antioxidant may affect the activation and inhibition of mitochondrial dynamics‐related signaling and mitochondrial function in response to ROS stress. In conclusion, our finding of the novel compound, MHY‐1684, as an ROS scavenger, might provide an effective therapeutic strategy for CPC‐based therapy against diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Unbalanced Vibration Identification of Tangential Threshing Cylinder Induced by Rice Threshing Process
Authors: Tang Zhong , Zhang Haotian , Zhou Yuepeng
Published: May 2018

Unbalanced vibration of tangential threshing cylinder increased the grain loss, shortened service life of the cylinder, and resulted in structural resonance during the rice threshing process. In this paper, the vibration amplitude and frequency of tangential threshing cylinder shaft were tested, and the vibration state of tangential threshing cylinder was identified. The restricted and working modalities of tangential threshing cylinder were solved by ANSYS software. Then, by comparing the resonance phenomenon between the inherent constraint frequency and the rotation speed frequency, the shaft vibration under the idle condition of tangential threshing cylinder was tested and analyzed. According to the axial vibration and axial trajectory of the cylinder, the inherent properties and characteristics of unbalanced vibration were revealed. Test results showed that when the tangential threshing cylinder was at idling and no‐load state, the amplitude of vibration in the feed direction of straw flow was −0.049~0.060 mm, and the average vibration amplitude was 0.013 mm. As rice flowed along the tangential threshing cylinder, the vibration amplitude slightly increased. The trend and phase of each trajectory were similar, although the amplitude of each trajectory was different. The tangential threshing cylinder axis trajectory was flat oval. Unbalanced vibration was induced by the rice stalks in the concave gap.
Effect of Group-Based Rehabilitation Combining Action Observation with Physiotherapy on Freezing of Gait in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Pelosin Elisa , Barella Roberta , Bet Cristina , Magioncalda Elisabetta , Putzolu Martina , Di Biasio Francesca , Cerulli Cecilia , Casaleggio Mauro , Abbruzzese Giovanni , Avanzino Laura
Published: May 2018

Freezing of gait (FoG) is among the most disabling symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Recent studies showed that action observation training (AOT) with repetitive practice of the observed actions represents a strategy to induce longer-lasting effects compared with standard physiotherapy. We investigated whether AOT may improve FoG and mobility in PD, when AOT is applied in a group-based setting. Sixty-four participants with PD and FoG were assigned to the experimental (AO) or control groups and underwent a 45-minute training session, twice a week, for 5 weeks. AOT consisted in physical training combined with action observation whereas the control group executed the same physical training combined with landscape-videos observation. Outcome measures (FoG questionnaire, Timed Up and Go test, 10-meter walking test, and Berg balance scale) were evaluated before training, at the end of training, and 4 weeks later (FU-4w). Both groups showed positive changes in all outcome measures at posttraining assessment. Improvements in FoG questionnaire, Timed Up and Go test, and Berg balance scale were retained at FU-4w evaluation only in the AOT group. AOT group-based training is feasible and effective on FoG and motor performance in PD patients and may be introduced as an adjunctive option in PD rehabilitation program.