bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SDN Low Latency for Medical Big Data Using Wavelets
Authors: Shah Fadia , Li Jianping , Memon Raheel Ahmed
Published: January 2018

New era is the age of 5G. The network has moved from the simple internet connection towards advanced LTE connections and transmission. The information and communication technology has reshaped telecommunication. For this, among many types of big data, Medical Big Data is one of the most sensitive forms of data. Wavelet is a technical tool to reduce the size of this data to make it available for the user for more time. It is also responsible for low latency and high speed data transmission over the network. The key concern is the Medical Big Data should be accurate and reliable enough so that the recommended treatment should be the concerned one. This paper proposed the scheme to support the concept of data availability without losing crucial information, via Wavelet the Medical Data compression and through SDN supportive architecture by making data availability over the wireless network. Such scheme is in favor of the efficient use of technology for the benefit of human beings in the support of medical treatments.
Increasing the Energy Efficiency of TICK by Selecting Adaptive Forwarding Nodes in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad , Akram Muhammad
Published: January 2018

Time-Based Dynamic Keying and En Route Filtering (TICK) reduces the communication costs for wireless sensor networks by eliminating the exchange of control keying messages. TICK is more energy-efficient and is good at securing events as they occur; it also selects predetermined forwarding nodes for re-encryption operation without considering their residual energy (RE) which causes more energy depletion. We propose an energy- efficient method that selects forwarding nodes for re-encryption with high energy levels and a low hop count (HC). Simulation results indicate that the proposed method achieves better energy conservation.
A Study of Wearable Bio-Sensor Technologies and Applications in Healthcare
Authors: Mehmood Amir , Nadeem Adnan , Rizwan Kashif , Mahmood Nadeem , Waqas Ahmad
Published: January 2018

In today’s world the rapid advancements in Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) and Nano technology have improved almost all the aspects of daily life routine with the help of different smart devices such as smart phones, compact electronic devices etc. The prime example of these emerging developments is the development of wireless sensors for healthcare procedures. One kind of these sensors is wearable bio-sensors. In this paper, the technologies of two types of bio-sensors (ECG, EMG) are investigated and also compared with traditional ECG, EMG equipment. We have taken SHIMMERTM wireless sensor platform as an example of wearable biosensors technology. We have investigated the systems developed for analysis techniques with SHIMMERTM ECG and EMG wearable bio-sensors and these biosensors are used in continuous remote monitoring. For example, applications in continuous health monitoring of elderly people, critical chronic patients and Fitness & Fatigue observations. Nevertheless, early fall detection in older adults and weak patients, treatment efficacy assessment. This study not only provides the basic concepts of wearable wireless bio-sensors networks (WBSN), but also provides basic knowledge of different sensor platforms available for patient’s remote monitoring. Also various healthcare applications by using bio-sensors are discussed and in last comparison with traditional ECG and EMG is presented.
Utilization of Electronic Learning System in Swat Rural Areas
Authors: Sangi Nazir Ahmed , Rahman Habib ur
Published: January 2018

As developments in electronic technologies i.e. personal computers, laptops, tablets, mobiles and wearable devices, the way of learning is also changing. Therefore, utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has great important role in schools and colleges. ICT is using by students, teachers and societies in District Swat, KP, Pakistan in the form of mobiles internet (for social contact and chat), computers internet (for knowledge exploration and entertainment) and multimedia (for teaching and learning). One of the difficulties involved in rural areas’ students of District Swat is that they cannot join class rooms due to their poor livelihood condition and far away from schools and colleges. Especially most of the females of rural areas of Swat do not come to schools and colleges for their family tradition and culture. Various questions were examined in every aspect of educational technologies in this study. We surveyed 50 responded randomly at District Swat from different schools and colleges and discovered that the responded were generally positive and have great interest about e-learning in Swat. The use of proposed electronic system for the learning, the literacy rate will increase in rural areas and students will achieve their individual goals.
Decision Support System for Hepatitis Disease Diagnosis using Bayesian Network
Authors: Lakho Shamshad , Hussain Jalbani Akhtar , Vighio Muhammad Saleem , Memon Imran Ali , Soomro Saima Siraj , Soomro Qamar-un-Nisa
Published: January 2018

Medical judgments are tough and challenging as the decisions are often based on the deficient and ambiguous information. Moreover, the result of decision process has direct effects on human lives. The act of human decision declines in emergency situations due to the complication, time limit, and high risks. Therefore, provision of medical diagnosis plays a dynamic role, specifically in the preliminary stage when a physician has limited diagnosis experience and identifies the directions to be taken for the treatment process. Computerized Decision Support Systems have brought a revolution in the medical diagnosis. These automatic systems support the diagnosticians in the course of diagnosis. The major role of Decision Support Systems is to support the medical personnel in decision-making procedures regarding disease diagnosis and treatment recommendation. The proposed system provides easy support in Hepatitis disease recognition. The system is developed using the Bayesian network model. The physician provides the input to the system in the form of symptoms stated by the patient. These signs and symptoms match with the casual relationships present in the knowledge model. The Bayesian network infers conclusion from the knowledge model and calculates the probability of occurrence of Hepatitis B, C and D disorders.
The New Swedish Cyprus Expedition. Excavations at Hala Sultan Tekke (The Söderberg Expedition). Preliminary results
Authors: Fischer Peter , Bürge Teresa , Recht Laerke , Kofel Dominika , Kaniewski David , Marriner Nick , Morhange Christophe
Published: January 2018

In the seventh season at the Bronze Age city of Hala Sultan Tekke excavations continued in City Quarter 1 (CQ1) where georadar indicated stone structures to the south of the area excavated in 2010–2012. Massive domestic structures, which belong to three phases of occupation (Strata 1–3), were exposed. Both the most recent Stratum 1, and Stratum 2 were destroyed in a conflagration. The three phases are preliminarily dated to the 13th and 12th centuries BC. Excavations were also carried out in Area A, roughly 600 m to the south-east of CQ1. Seven circular anomalies indicated by our geomagnetic survey were excavated. Two were pits of modern date, and three were identified as Late Cypriot wells. Another anomaly turned out to represent a rich Late Cypriot offering pit with figurines and more than 60 ceramic vessels. Amongst the Mycenaean vessels are several “chariot kraters” and a large vessel with the oversized image of a female robed in a splendidly adorned Minoan-style dress. The remaining anomaly probably represents a tomb of a very wealthy family so far containing, inter alia, 80 locally produced and imported vessels, gold jewellery, weapons, scarabs, and seals. The material in the offering pit and the tomb reflects far-reaching intercultural connections in the period from the 16th to the 13th centuries BC.
The lower city of Asea, Arcadia. Results from a geophysical project 2001–2012
Authors: Forsén Jeannette , Smekalova Tatiana , Tikkala Esko
Published: January 2018

Between 2001 and 2012 a geophysical survey project was carried out on and around Asea Paleokastro in Arcadia, Greece. The results of this work complement the archaeological surface survey carried out in the same area in 1995 and the cleaning session of the acropolis walls in 2000. We have now a fair idea of how the lower city was laid out and how the city wall encompassed the city blocks. Detailed information concerning a residential block was supplied in part by the excavation published by Erik J. Holmberg in 1944, and this supports our results. We have an orthogonal town plan consisting of rectangular city blocks of c. 38 x 56 m. The city wall has several towers and a postern gate, as well as at least one more complex city gate. The agora is more elusive, but we think that it could be placed in an area mostly devoid of anomalies downhill from a built-up area revealed by the magnetometer survey and bordered by the main passageway to the acropolis entrance.
A standardized protocol to reduce pediatric baclofen pump infections: a quality improvement initiative
Authors: Desai Virendra R. , Raskin Jeffrey S. , Mohan Arvind , Montojo JoWinsyl , Briceño Valentina , Curry Daniel J. , Lam Sandi
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVE

Intrathecal baclofen pumps are generally placed in children for the treatment of spasticity and dystonia. Use of implants in this pediatric population with comorbidities is reported to have a high risk of complications and infections. With the aim of reducing baclofen pump–related infections, a quality improvement project was instituted at the authors’ institution.

METHODS

A workflow paradigm unique to baclofen pump implantation aimed at decreasing implant-related infections was implemented. All baclofen pump operations performed at the authors’ institution between August 2012 and June 2016 were reviewed. An infection prevention protocol was created and implemented in August 2014 based on a literature review and the consensus opinion of the pediatric neurosurgeons in the group. Compliance with the prevention bundle was tracked. Case outcomes before and after implementation of the protocol with a minimum of 3 months of follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the association of the steps in the prevention bundle with infection and complication outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 128 baclofen pump surgeries were performed (64 preprotocol and 64 postprotocol). The patient age range was 3 to 27 years. The overall compliance rate with the infection prevention bundle was 82%. The pre- and postimplementation infection rates were 12.5% and 6.3%, respectively (p = 0.225). The total pre- and postimplementation complication rates were 23.4% and 9.4%, respectively (p = 0.032). The absolute and relative risk reductions for infections were 6.3% (95% CI 3.8%–16.3%) and 50%, respectively; for complications, the absolute and relative risk reductions were 14.1% (95% CI 1.5%–26.7%) and 60%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The total complication rate following intrathecal baclofen pump surgery was significantly lower after implementation of the quality improvement protocol. This study is an example of using checklist standardization to diminish special cause variability.
The transperiosteal “inside-out” occipital artery harvesting technique
Authors: Benet Arnau , Tabani Halima , Ding Xinmin , Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Rodriguez Rubio Roberto , Tayebi Meybodi Ali , Nisson Peyton , Kola Olivia , Gandhi Sirin , Yousef Sonia , Lawton Michael T.
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVE

The occipital artery (OA) is a frequently used donor vessel for posterior circulation bypass procedures due to its proximity to the recipient vessels and its optimal caliber, length, and flow rate. However, its tortuous course through multiple layers of suboccipital muscles necessitates layer-by-layer dissection. The authors of this cadaveric study aimed to describe a landmark-based novel anterograde approach to harvest OA in a proximal-to-distal “inside-out” fashion, which avoids multilayer dissection.

METHODS

Sixteen cadaveric specimens were prepared for surgical simulation, and the OA was harvested using the classic (n = 2) and novel (n = 14) techniques. The specimens were positioned three-quarters prone, with 45° contralateral head rotation. An inverted hockey-stick incision was made from the spinous process of C-2 to the mastoid tip, and the distal part of the OA was divided to lift up a myocutaneous flap, including the nuchal muscles. The OA was identified using the occipital groove (OG), the digastric muscle (DM) and its groove (DG), and the superior oblique muscle (SOM) as key landmarks. The OA was harvested anterogradely from the OG and within the flap until the skin incision was reached (proximal-to-distal technique). In addition, 35 dry skulls were assessed bilaterally (n = 70) to study additional craniometric landmarks to infer the course of the OA in the OG.

RESULTS

The OA was consistently found running in the OG, which was found between the posterior belly of the DM and the SOM. The mean total length of the mobilized OA was 12.8 ± 1.2 cm, with a diameter of 1.3 ± 0.1 mm at the suboccipital segment and 1.1 ± 0.1 mm at the skin incision. On dry skulls, the occipitomastoid suture (OMS) was found to be medial to the OG in the majority of the cases (68.6%), making it a useful landmark to locate the OG and thus the proximal OA.

CONCLUSIONS

The anterograde transperiosteal inside-out approach for harvesting the OA is a fast and easy technique. It requires only superficial dissection because the OA is found directly under the periosteum throughout its course, obviating tedious layer-by-layer muscle dissection. This approach avoids critical neurovascular structures like the vertebral artery. The key landmarks needed to localize the OA using this technique include the OMS, OG, DM and DG, and SOM.
Clinical outcomes of intracranial solitary fibrous tumor and hemangiopericytoma: analysis according to the 2016 WHO classification of central nervous system tumors
Authors: Kim Byung Sup , Kim Yuil , Kong Doo-Sik , Nam Do-Hyun , Lee Jung-Il , Suh Yeon-Lim , Seol Ho Jun
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVE

The authors conducted this retrospective study to investigate the clinical outcomes of intracranial solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) and hemangiopericytoma (HPC), defined according to the 2016 WHO classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumors.

METHODS

Histopathologically proven intracranial SFT and HPC cases treated in the period from June 1996 to September 2014 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Two neuropathologists reviewed pathological slides and regraded the specimens according to the 2016 WHO classification. Factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were statistically evaluated with uni- and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The records of 47 patients—10 with SFT, 33 with HPC, and 4 with anaplastic HPC—were reviewed. A malignant transition from conventional SFT to WHO grade III SFT/HPC was observed in 2 cases, and 13 HPC cases were assigned grade III SFT/HPC. Mean and median follow-ups were 114.6 and 94.7 months, respectively (range 7.1–366.7 months). Gross-total resection (GTR) was significantly associated with longer PFS and OS (p = 0.012 for both), and adjuvant radiation therapy versus no such therapy led to significantly longer PFS (p = 0.018). Extracranial metastases to the liver, bone, lung, spine, and kidney occurred in 10 patients (21.3%). Grade III SFT/HPC was strongly correlated with the development of extracranial metastases (p = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

The 2016 WHO classification of CNS tumors reflected the different types of pathological malignant progression and clinical outcomes better than prior classifications. Gross-total resection should be the primary treatment goal in patients with SFT/HPC, regardless of the pathological grade, and radiation can be administered as adjuvant therapy for patients with SFT/HPC that shows an aggressive phenotype or that is not treated with GTR.
The curriculum, the macro design and the micro design, and the curriculum transposition
Authors: Rossi Pier Giuseppe
Published: January 2018

The didactical design is organized in different documents that are peculiar in the different countries. In Italy there id the school curriculum starting from the national guidelines for the pre-school, primary and middle school, and from the regulations for the high school. Then many teachers create yearly design documents for each discipline collaborating, at times, with colleague of parallel classes.  In this article, such yearly documents will be called "macro design", while the design of the single work sessions (from 1 to 8 hours in class) will be called "micro design". The complexity, finally, requires that macro and micro design are transponed and it is needed that a design artefact can be shared in class with students starting processes of co-design.The article analyses the role and the structure of the school curriculum in the current context, the relationships between the macro and micro design and, finally, the need of a transposition of the design artefacts to share the design with students.The article "the curriculum", present in the same issue, is the logic premise of the present contribution.
Leaf Characteristics and Yield Performance of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) Varieties under Different Levels of Shading
Authors: Hossain M A , Hasan M A , Sikder S , Chowdhury A K M M B
Published: January 2018

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the leaf characteristics and yield performances of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) under different light levels at the Crop Physiology and Ecology Research Field of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur during March to June 2016. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replications. Three light levels (L100 - 100 % light intensity, L75- 75 % light intensity and L50- 50% light intensity) were assigned in the main plots and four varieties (BARl Mung-6, BINA Mung-8, BINA Mung-5 and BU Mug-4) were assigned in subplots. Mosquito nets of different pore size were used for maintaining 75 and 50 percent light intensity. Leaf area was increased due to reduced light levels in all mugbean varieties but the increment was significant in BINA Mung-5 and BINA Mung-8 only at 75% light intensity at 40 days after sowing and only in BARI Mung-6 with L50 and BU Mug-4 with L75 and L50at 50 days after sowing. Due to reduced light levels, leaf dry weight was affected more in BINA Mung-5 and BU Mug- 4 than BARI Mung-6 and BINA Mung-8. Leaf thickness was reduced under shade in all the mungbean varieties, except in BU Mug-4 at 75% light intensity, and the reduction in leaf thickness was mainly due to the reduction in thickness of spongy layer. The palisade layer thickness was influenced insignificantly but spongy layer thickness was increased in BINA Mung-5 at 100% light intensity. The grain yields (t ha-1) of BARI Mung-6 and BINA Mung-8 remained stable under partial shade condition but the grain yield of BINA Mung-5 and BU Mug-4 was reduced drastically under partial shade condition. Higher leaf dry weight, number of pods plant-1, seeds pod-1, and heavier grains in BARI Mung-6 and BINA Mung-8 contributed to the higher grain yield plant-1 under partial shade condition than in BINA Mung-5 and BU Mug-4.The Agriculturists 2017; 15(2) 40-51
Seed Yield and Quality of Late Season Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) Seed as Influenced by Plant Growth Regulators
Authors: Mollah M A F , Rubel M H K , Hasan I M , Sultana A , Tareq M Z
Published: January 2018

An experiment was conducted at Jute Research Regional Station (JRRS) of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), Kishoreganj during August 2009 to January 2010 to determine the effect of different plant growth regulators on seed yield and quality of olitorius jute using late jute seed production technique. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Seven growth regulators with different brand names such as Bionik, Litosen, Okozim, Mirakulan, Planovit, Flora and Yield were used in the experiment. All the yield contributing characters increased due to the application of growth regulators over the control. The highest seed yield (2.91g/plant) was obtained with Bionik which was followed by Mirakulan> Okozim> Litosen> Planovit> Yield> Flora> control. The highest of 33.49% seed yield was found in Bionik over control.  In terms of quality of seeds, the plant growth regulator `Bionik’ performed the best.The Agriculturists 2017; 15(2) 115-121
Toxicity and physiological effects of some plant extracts on fruit fly infesting ash gourd
Authors: Amin MR , Shafiullah SMA , Mondal E , Ahmed T
Published: January 2018

The aqueous extracts of neem Azadirachta indica, eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus, telakucha Coccinia indica, mahogany Swietenia macrophylla and joba Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaves were used to evaluate their toxicity and physiological effects on fruit fly Bactrocera cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae) reared on ash gourd Benincasa hispida. The investigations were done with 1, 2 and 4% extracts and an untreated control. The toxicity of the extracts varied with plant species, concentration and exposure period. Among the treatments, neem revealed the most toxic effect as it showed the lowest LC50 and LC95 values as well as steepest slope of the concentration curve. The order of toxicity of the plants was neem> eucalyptus> telakucha> mehagony> joba. All the extracts reduced pupation, adult emergence, protein content in larval body and body weight of male and female flies. The highest reduction of protein, body weight of male and female flies, pupation and adult emergence were found with 4% neem extract. Among the tested extracts, 4% neem extract was found as the most effective botanical insecticide against B. CucurbitaeSAARC J. Agri., 15(2): 125-135 (2017)
The Need to Reform the Political Role of the African Union in Promoting Democracy and Human Rights in Domestic States: Making States More Accountable and Less Able to Avoid Scrutiny at the United Nations and at the African Union, Using Swaziland to Spotlight the Issues
Authors: Sarkin Jeremy
Published: January 2018

This article examines how effective the African Union (AU) has been in pushing states to be more democratic in nature and to respect, protect, fulfil and promote the human rights of their inhabitants. It reviews the political role of the AU in this regard using the situation in Swaziland to do so. The article also examines Swaziland at the United Nations’ Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process as a comparative tool.
An institutional ethnography of a feminist organization: a study of community education in Ireland
Authors: O’Grady Maeve
Published: January 2018

A small Irish independent women’s community education organisation, founded to provide personal development and community education programmes for women who cannot pay for them, has experienced the struggles of surviving in a patriarchal state that no longer supports women’s community building but which funds individual capacity building for ‘labour market activation’ purposes. The organisation consists of three staff funded to work on a part-time basis, facilitators who work on an ad-hoc basis to meet the needs of groups of participants, the women who participate in different groups in the organisation, the staff of a crèche, and voluntary members. The purpose of the research is to support the need for the organisation to reconceptualise the meaning of the work of the organisation using institutional ethnography methodology to question the extent to which the work can been seen as political and feminist, and adhering to its original ideals. The research consisted of four weeks of fieldwork in the organisation with the participants, followed by a focus group of staff and facilitators reflecting on features that participants valued: making new connections, groupwork, the physical environment, the challenge and support, and the pace of the work. The provision of a space and culture that transgresses the norms of dominant cultural understandings of being a working-class woman is now understood to be the radical outcome, with the original expectation of the possibility of empowering participants to become feminist activists receding but remaining an ideal.
Chaotic Synchronizing Systems with Zero Time Delay and Free Couple via Iterative Learning Control
Authors: Cheng Chun-Kai , Chao Paul
Published: January 2018

This study aims to orchestrate a less restrictive learning controller by using the iteration-varying function, the so-called iterative learning controller (ILC), to synchronize two nonlinear systems with free time delay and couple free. The mathematical theories are proven rigorously and controllers are developed for system synchronization, and then an example is forged to demonstrate the effectiveness of synchronization by the designed ILC. The ILC is designed with a feed-forward based by the error dynamics between the two considered nonlinear drive and response systems. The stability of the synchronization facilitated by the designed ILC is ensured by rendering the convergence of an error dynamics that satisfied the Lyapunov function. The Lorenz system within a drive-response system is considered as one system that drives another for the demonstration of the effectiveness of the designed ILC to achieve synchronization and verified initial conditions. Simulations are conducted for the controlled Lorenz system, and the results validated well the expected capability of the designed ILC for synchronization and matched the proposed mathematical theory.
Frequency Splitting Elimination and Cross-Coupling Rejection of Wireless Power Transfer to Multiple Dynamic Receivers
Authors: R. Narayanamoorthi , Juliet Vimala , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Mihet-Popa Lucian , C. Bharatiraja
Published: January 2018

Simultaneous power transfer to multiple receiver (Rx) system is one of the key advantages of wireless power transfer (WPT) system using magnetic resonance. However, determining the optimal condition to uniformly transfer the power to a selected Rx at high efficiency is the challenging task under the dynamic environment. The cross-coupling and frequency splitting are the dominant issues present in the multiple Rx dynamic WPT system. The existing analysis is performed by considering any one issue present in the system; on the other hand, the cross coupling and frequency splitting issues are interrelated in dynamic Rx’s, which requires a comprehensive design strategy by considering both the problems. This paper proposes an optimal design of multiple Rx WPT system, which can eliminate cross coupling, frequency splitting issues and increase the power transfer efficiency (PTE) of selected Rx. The cross-coupling rejection, uniform power transfer is performed by adding an additional relay coil and independent resonance frequency tuning with capacitive compensation to each Rx unit. The frequency splitting phenomena are eliminated using non-identical transmitter (Tx) and Rx coil structure which can maintain the coupling between the coil under the critical coupling limit. The mathematical analysis of the compensation capacitance calculation and optimal Tx coil size identification is performed for the four Rx WPT system. Finite element analysis and experimental investigation are carried out for the proposed design in static and dynamic conditions.
Three-Dimensional Modeling of a Robotic Fish Based on Real Carp Locomotion
Authors: Ozmen Koca Gonca , Bal Cafer , Korkmaz Deniz , Bingol Mustafa , Ay Mustafa , Akpolat Zuhtu , Yetkin Seda
Published: January 2018

This work focuses on developing a complete non-linear dynamic model comprising entirely kinematic and hydrodynamic effects of Carangiform locomotion based on the Lagrange approach by adapting the parameters and behaviors of a real carp. In order to imitate biological features, swimming patterns of a real carp for forward, turning and up-down motions are analyzed by using the Kineova 8.20 software. The proportional optimum link lengths according to actual size, swimming speed, flapping frequency, proportional physical parameters and different swimming motions of the real carp are investigated with the designed robotic fish model. Three-dimensional (3D) locomotion is evaluated by tracking two trajectories in a MATLAB environment. A Reaching Law Control (RLC) approach for inner loop (Euler angles-speed control) and a guidance system for the outer loop (orientation control) are proposed to provide an effective closed-loop control performance. In order to illustrate the 3D performance of the proposed closed loop control system in a virtual reality platform, the designed robotic fish model is also implemented using the Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML). Simulation and experimental analysis show that the proposed model gives us significant key solutions to design a fish-like robotic prototype.
An Examination of Thermal Features’ Relevance in the Task of Battery-Fault Detection
Authors: Vantuch Tomáš , Fulneček Jan , Holuša Michael , Mišák Stanislav , Vaculík Jan
Published: January 2018

Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), represented by lead-acid batteries, play an important role in various kinds of industries. They protect industrial technologies from being damaged by dangerous interruptions of an electric power supply. Advanced UPS monitoring performed by a complex battery management system (BMS) prevents the UPS from sustaining more serious damage due to its timely and accurate battery-fault detection based on voltage metering. This technique is very advanced and precise but also very expensive on a long-term basis. This article describes an experiment applying infrared thermographic measurements during a long term monitoring and fault detection in UPS. The assumption that the battery overheat implies its damaged state is the leading factor of our experiments. They are based on real measured data on various UPS battery sets and several statistical examinations confirming the high relevancy of the thermal features with mostly over 90% detection accuracy. Such a model can be used as a supplement for lead-acid battery based UPS monitoring to ensure their higher reliability under significantly lower maintenance costs.
Thermal Pre-Treatment of Sewage Sludge in a Lab-Scale Fluidized Bed for Enhancing Its Solid Fuel Properties
Authors: Karki Sujeeta , Poudel Jeeban , Oh Sea
Published: January 2018

Thermal pre-treatment of non-lignocellulosic biomass, sewage sludge, using a lab-scale fluidized bed reactor was carried out in order to enhance its solid fuel properties. The influence of the torrefaction temperature range from 200–350 °C and 0–50 min residence time on the physical and chemical properties of the torrefied product was investigated. Properties of the torrefied product were analyzed on the basis of the degree of torrefaction, ultimate and proximate analysis, and gas analysis. An attempt was made to obtain the chemical exergy of sewage sludge. An elevated torrefaction temperature presented a beneficial impact on the degree of torrefaction and chemical exergy. Moreover, the effect of the torrefaction temperature and residence time on the elemental variation of sewage sludge exhibited an increase in the weight percentage of carbon while the H/C and O/C molar ratios deteriorated. Additionally, the product gas emitted during torrefaction was analyzed to study the pathway of hydrocarbons and oxygen containing compounds. The compounds with oxygen were emitted at higher temperatures in contrast to hydrocarbon gases. In addition, the study of various correlations for predicting the calorific value of torrefied sewage sludge was made.
Synthesis of New C2-Symmetric Six-Membered NHCs and Their Application for the Asymmetric Diethylzinc Addition of Arylaldehydes
Authors: Li Jie , Zhou Bihui , Jiang Yajie , Liu Xiaoming
Published: January 2018

A concise method for the preparation of new 3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidinium salts was presented in this paper. Further application of these salts in asymmetric diethylzinc addition of arylaldehydes was explored, giving the corresponding chiral second alcohols in good yields and moderate enantioselectivities.
EPR Investigations of G-C3N4/TiO2 Nanocomposites
Authors: Dvoranová Dana , Mazúr Milan , Papailias Ilias , Giannakopoulou Tatiana , Trapalis Christos , Brezová Vlasta
Published: January 2018

The g-C3N4/TiO2 nanopowders prepared by the annealing of melamine and TiO2 P25 at 550 °C were investigated under dark and upon UV or visible-light photoactivation using X- and Q-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The EPR spectra of powders monitored at room temperature and 100 K showed the impact of the initial loading ratio of melamine/TiO2 on the character of paramagnetic centers observed. For the photocatalysts synthesized using a lower titania content, the paramagnetic signals characteristic for the g-C3N4/TiO2 nanocomposites were already found before exposure. The samples annealed using the higher TiO2 loading revealed the photoinduced generation of paramagnetic nitrogen bulk centers (g-tensor components g1 = 2.005, g2 = 2.004, g3 = 2.003 and hyperfine couplings from the nitrogen A1 = 0.23 mT, A2 = 0.44 mT, A3 = 3.23 mT) typical for N-doped TiO2. The ability of photocatalysts to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon in situ UV or visible-light photoexcitation was tested in water or dimethyl sulfoxide by EPR spin trapping using 5,5-dimethyl 1-pyrroline N-oxide. The results obtained reflect the differences in photocatalyst nanostructures caused by the differing initial ratio of melamine/TiO2; the photocatalyst prepared by the high-temperature treatment of melamine/TiO2 wt. ratio of 1:3 revealed an adequate photoactivity in both spectral regions.
Chemical and Physical Pathways for Fabricating Flexible Superamphiphobic Surfaces with High Transparency
Authors: Sahoo Bichitra , Yoon Kukro , Seo Jungmok , Lee Taeyoon
Published: January 2018

Since the discovery of the self-cleaning properties of the lotus effect, the wetting of surfaces were intensively investigated due to their potential application in many industrial sectors. The transparency of flexible liquid repellent coatings are a major industrial problem and their economic consequences are widely known. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of the developments of flexible and transparent superamphiphobic surfaces is required in a number of technological and industrial situations. In this review, we aim to discuss the progress in the design, synthesis, fabrication techniques, and applications of flexible and transparent superamphiphobic surfaces. We start with an introduction, exploring the contact angles and wetting states for superhydrophilic, superhydrophobic, and superoleophobic surfaces, and continue with a review of the wetting transition of such surfaces. Then, we highlight the fabrication techniques involved for the preparation of flexible and transparent superamphiphobic surfaces. This review also discusses the key issues in the fabrication process and surfaces, and their features in improving durability characteristics and self-repellent performance. Then we suggest various recommendations for the improvement of mechanical durability along with potential future directions towards more systematic methods that will also be acceptable for industry. Finally, we conclude with some challenges and potential applications.
Strain Effects in Gallium Nitride Adsorption on Defective and Doped Graphene: First-Principles Calculations
Authors: Yan Han , Ku Pei-Cheng , Gan Zhi-Yin , Liu Sheng , Li Peng
Published: January 2018

Transferable, low-stress gallium nitride grown on graphene for flexible lighting or display applications may enable next-generation optoelectronic devices. However, the growth of gallium nitride on graphene is challenging. In this study, the adsorptions of initial nucleation process of gallium nitride on graphene were investigated using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. The adsorption energies and the role of in-plane strains were calculated for different possible configurations of the adatoms on the surfaces of vacancy defect and doped graphene. Compared with the results of the gallium adatom, adsorption of the nitrogen atom on graphene was found to exhibit greater stability. The calculations reveal that the vacancy defect core enhanced the adsorption stability of the adatom on graphene, whereas the incorporation of oxygen impurity greatly reduced the stable adsorption of the gallium and nitrogen adatoms. Furthermore, the calculations of strain showed that the lattice expansion led to increased stability for all adsorption sites and configuration surfaces, except for the nitrogen adatom adsorbed over the gallium atom in Ga-doped graphene. The study presented in this paper may have important implications in understanding gallium nitride growth on graphene.
Data Analytics Techniques for Performance Prediction of Steamflooding in Naturally Fractured Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Shafiei Ali , Ahmadi Mohammad , Dusseault Maurice , Elkamel Ali , Zendehboudi Sohrab , Chatzis Ioannis
Published: January 2018

Thermal oil recovery techniques, including steam processes, account for more than 80% of the current global heavy oil, extra heavy oil, and bitumen production. Evaluation of Naturally Fractured Carbonate Reservoirs (NFCRs) for thermal heavy oil recovery using field pilot tests and exhaustive numerical and analytical modeling is expensive, complex, and personnel-intensive. Robust statistical models have not yet been proposed to predict cumulative steam to oil ratio (CSOR) and recovery factor (RF) during steamflooding in NFCRs as strong process performance indicators. In this paper, new statistical based techniques were developed using multivariable regression analysis for quick estimation of CSOR and RF in NFCRs subjected to steamflooding. The proposed data based models include vital parameters such as in situ fluid and reservoir properties. The data used are taken from experimental studies and rare field trials of vertical well steamflooding pilots in heavy oil NFCRs reported in the literature. The models show an average error of <6% for the worst cases and contain fewer empirical constants compared with existing correlations developed originally for oil sands. The interactions between the parameters were considered indicating that the initial oil saturation and oil viscosity are the most important predictive factors. The proposed models were successfully predicted CSOR and RF for two heavy oil NFCRs. Results of this study can be used for feasibility assessment of steamflooding in NFCRs
Carbon Mass Change and Its Drivers in a Boreal Coniferous Forest in the Qilian Mountains, China from 1964 to 2013
Authors: Fang Shu , He Zhibin , Du Jun , Chen Longfei , Lin Pengfei , Zhao Minmin
Published: January 2018

Carbon storage of mountain forests is vulnerable to climate change but the changes in carbon flux through time are poorly understood. Moreover, the relative contributions to carbon flux of drivers such as climate and atmospheric CO2 still have significant uncertainties. We used the dynamic model LPJ-GUESS with climate data from twelve meteorological stations in the Qilian Mountains, China to simulate changes in carbon mass of a montane boreal forest, and the influence of temperature, precipitation, and CO2 concentration from 1964 to 2013 on carbon flux. The results showed that the carbon mass has increased 1.202 kg/m2 from 1964 to 2013, and net primary productivity (NPP) ranged from 0.997 to 1.122 kg/m2/year. We concluded that the highest carbon mass proportion for this montane boreal forest was at altitudes 2700–3100 m (proportion of ecosystem carbon was between 93–97%), with maximum carbon density observed at 2700–2900 m. In the last 50 years, the increase in precipitation and in CO2 concentration is expected to increase carbon mass and NPP of Picea crassifolia Kom. (Pinaceae) (Qinghai spruce). The effect of temperature on NPP was positive but that on carbon mass was not clear. The increase in CO2 concentration over the past 50 years was a major contributor to the increase in carbon storage, and drought was the foremost limiting factor in carbon storage capacity of this montane boreal forest. Picea crassifolia forest was vulnerable to climate change. Further studies need to focus on the impact of extreme weather, especially drought, on carbon storage in Picea crassifolia forests.
Influence of NKG2D Genetic Variants on Response to Anti-TNF Agents in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Iwaszko Milena , Świerkot Jerzy , Kolossa Katarzyna , Jeka Sławomir , Wiland Piotr , Bogunia-Kubik Katarzyna
Published: January 2018

A natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) acts as a powerful activating and co-stimulatory receptor on immune effector cells including NK and T cells. Disruptions within the NKG2D signalling pathway may trigger an exacerbated immune response and promote autoimmune reactions. The objective of the study was to evaluate a plausible role of polymorphisms within the NKG2D gene as a predictor of how effective anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy is in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. A total of 280 RA patients receiving anti-TNF therapy were genotyped for NKG2D rs2255336 (A > G), rs1049174 (C > G), and rs1154831 (C > A). Clinical response was evaluated according to the European League against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria at the 12th and 24th week. Both the NKG2D rs225336 and rs1049174 polymorphisms were significantly associated with efficacy of TNF inhibitors. Inefficient therapy was more frequently observed in patients with rs2255336 GG or rs1049174 CC genotype as compared to other genotypes (p-value = 0.003 and p-value = 0.004, respectively). The presence of the rs2255336 G or the rs1049174 C allele correlated with a worse EULAR response (p-value = 0.002, p-value = 0.031, respectively). Moreover, patients carrying the rs2255336 or rs1049174 heterozygous genotype achieved better EULAR responses than patients with homozygous genotypes (p-value = 0.010 and p-value = 0.002, respectively). Data from the present study provides evidence that NKG2D polymorphisms may affect response to anti-TNF inhibitors in RA patients.
Remote Sensing and Geosciences for Archaeology
Authors: Tapete Deodato
Published: January 2018

Archaeological remote sensing is not a novel discipline. Indeed, there is already a suite of geoscientific techniques that are regularly used by practitioners in the field, according to standards and best practice guidelines. However, (i) the technological development of sensors for data capture; (ii) the accessibility of new remote sensing and Earth Observation data; and (iii) the awareness that a combination of different techniques can lead to retrieval of diverse and complementary information to characterize landscapes and objects of archaeological value and significance, are currently three triggers stimulating advances in methodologies for data acquisition, signal processing, and the integration and fusion of extracted information. The Special Issue “Remote Sensing and Geosciences for Archaeology” therefore presents a collection of scientific contributions that provides a sample of the state-of-the-art and forefront research in this field. Site discovery, understanding of cultural landscapes, augmented knowledge of heritage, condition assessment, and conservation are the main research and practice targets that the papers published in this Special Issue aim to address.
Combining Spherical-Cap and Taylor Bubble Fluid Dynamics with Plume Measurements to Characterize Basaltic Degassing
Authors: Pering Tom , McGonigle Andrew
Published: January 2018

Basaltic activity is the most common class of volcanism on Earth, characterized by magmas of sufficiently low viscosities such that bubbles can move independently of the melt. Following exsolution, spherical bubbles can then expand and/or coalesce to generate larger bubbles of spherical-cap or Taylor bubble (slug) morphologies. Puffing and strombolian explosive activity are driven by the bursting of these larger bubbles at the surface. Here, we present the first combined model classification of spherical-cap and Taylor bubble driven puffing and strombolian activity modes on volcanoes. Furthermore, we incorporate the possibility that neighboring bubbles might coalesce, leading to elevated strombolian explosivity. The model categorizes the behavior in terms of the temporal separation between the arrival of successive bubbles at the surface and bubble gas volume or length, with the output presented on visually-intuitive two-dimensional plots. The categorized behavior is grouped into the following regimes: puffing from (a) cap bubbles; and (b) non-overpressurized Taylor bubbles; and (c) Taylor bubble driven strombolian explosions. Each of these regimes is further subdivided into scenarios whereby inter-bubble interaction does/does not occur. The model performance is corroborated using field data from Stromboli (Aeolian Islands, Italy), Etna (Sicily, Italy), and Yasur (Vanuatu), representing one of the very first studies, focused on combining high temporal resolution degassing data with fluid dynamics as a means of deepening our understanding of the processes which drive basaltic volcanism.
Iconography for the Age of Social Media
Authors: Drainville Raymond
Published: January 2018

An iconic photograph of Ieshia Evans’ arrest at a Black Lives Matter protest went viral on Twitter. Twitter users’ textual and visual responses to it appear to show recurring patterns in the ways users interpret photographs. Aby Warburg recognized a similar process in the history of art, referring to the afterlife of images. Evaluating these responses with an updated form of iconography sheds light upon this tangled afterlife across multiple media. Users’ response patterns suggest new ways to develop iconological interpretations, offering clues to a systematic use of iconography as a methodology for social media research.
Microtubule-Actin Crosslinking Factor 1 and Plakins as Therapeutic Drug Targets
Authors: Quick Quincy
Published: January 2018

Plakins are a family of seven cytoskeletal cross-linker proteins (microtubule-actin crosslinking factor 1 (MACF), bullous pemphigoid antigen (BPAG1) desmoplakin, envoplakin, periplakin, plectin, epiplakin) that network the three major filaments that comprise the cytoskeleton. Plakins have been found to be involved in disorders and diseases of the skin, heart, nervous system, and cancer that are attributed to autoimmune responses and genetic alterations of these macromolecules. Despite their role and involvement across a spectrum of several diseases, there are no current drugs or pharmacological agents that specifically target the members of this protein family. On the contrary, microtubules have traditionally been targeted by microtubule inhibiting agents, used for the treatment of diseases such as cancer, in spite of the deleterious toxicities associated with their clinical utility. The Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics (RCSB) was used here to identify therapeutic drugs targeting the plakin proteins, particularly the spectraplakins MACF1 and BPAG1, which contain microtubule-binding domains. RCSB analysis revealed that plakin proteins had 329 ligands, of which more than 50% were MACF1 and BPAG1 ligands and 10 were documented, clinically or experimentally, to have several therapeutic applications as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic agents.