bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term survival of the transplanted kidney and the clinical relevance of donor-specific antibodies
Authors: Svobodova Eva , Slavcev Antonij , Slatinska Janka , Valhova Sarka , Honsova Eva , Skibova Jelena , Striz Ilja , Viklicky Ondrej
Published: June 2020

The aim of our study was to evaluate the relevance of donor-specific antibodies (DSA) as defined by solid-phase single-antigen (SA) assays for predicting long-term graft survival after kidney transplantation. Sera from 132 kidney transplant recipients were retrospectively tested before, 3, 6 and 12 months after transplantation. The incidence of rejection and graft survival was followed up for 7 years. We found 29 episodes of acute cellular rejection (CR), 21 cases of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and 18 graft failures due to immunological reasons. Pre-transplant DSA and DSA three months after transplantation correlated with an increased rate of AMR and impaired graft function. After the fourth year, recipients with persistent DSA were at a higher risk of graft failure (p = 0.0317). Antibody specificity was prevailingly to HLA class I antigens (66.6% DSA, 75% non-DSA). During the first year after transplantation, the number of patients with non-DSA decreased (30.3% to 10.7%), while, due to de novo production of antibodies, the number of DSA positive patients remained constant. Conclusion: Detection of antibodies to HLA antigens using solid-phase assays, especially single-antigen bead technology before and three months after transplantation is predictive for increased incidence of antibody-mediated rejection and impaired long-term kidney graft survival.
AML in remission, originating from MDS-RARS-T, expands the underlying JAK2 V617F
mutated clone
Authors: Tupek Katarina Marija , Leljak Anja , Livun Ana , Prka Zeljko , Pejsa Vlatko , Kusec Rajko
Published: June 2020

A mutation in the JAK2 gene is commonly found in patients with MPN, which can
sometimes lead to secondary AML. In this case study, we are reporting on an
interesting case of secondary AML originating from MDS-RARS-T. The patient had
no gross chromosomal changes, and we found that he was JAK2 V617F-mutated. His
BM showed 53% of myeloid blasts. After the induction of combined therapy of
Venetoclax and Azacytidine, a complete remission of the disease was achieved.
However, instead of the expected decrease in the mutated JAK2 alleles, we
documented a rise from the initial 55% to 79% of mutated alleles. This can be
explained by the fact that treatment for AML targets only one subclone.
New Light on Translating Arthur Koestler's The Gladiators: Unpublished Correspondence from the Edith Simon Archive
Authors: MacAdam Henry I.
Published: June 2020

Correspondence which has come to light in the Edith Simon Archive at the National Library of Scotland concerns the translation and publication of Arthur Koestler's novel Der Sklavenkrieg in English as The Gladiators. Most of the letters were written by Koestler to the translator, Edith Simon (1917–2003), while her work was in progress. Since neither Koestler nor Simon left any detailed account of their collaboration over the translation, the letters provide new insight into the process which concluded with Jonathan Cape's publication of the English version of Koestler's novel in 1939. Koestler points to works that influenced his own writing style, and light is shed on the author-translator relationship.
The Factors of the Contraceptives Selection at the Sumbersari Public Health Center, Lumajang
Authors: Yulistiana Yulistiana , Marchianti Ancah Caesarina Novi , Bumi Candra
Published: June 2020

Side effects of the use of contraceptives have always been a problem complained by family planning acceptors. The side effects of family planning such as irregular menstruation, weight gain, nausea, dizziness, and vaginal discharge. This research was conducted in July-August 2019 to determine the factors causing the selection of contraceptives by family planning acceptors at the Sumbersari Public Health Center in Lumajang Regency. Researchers used a cross-sectional design. The sample were 98 family planning acceptors at the Sumbersari Public Health Center, Lumajang Regency, selected using cluster random sampling technique. Researchers used statistical regression tests to data analyze process. Statistical test results of factors that had a positive influence on the selection of contraceptive devices for family planning acceptors in the working area of Sumbersari Public Health Center were the number of children, knowledge of family planning, availability of tools, attitudes and husband's support; counseling performance in the majority of acceptors was good, and the majority of acceptors had a negative family planning history. Husband support and the number of children were the strong influence on the selection of contraception.

Keywords: family planning; acceptor; contraceptive selection; factors
The Quality Life of Matriarch and Program of Poverty Reduction in Jember Regency
Authors: Pratiwi Ade Ananta , Munawir Al , Rokhmah Dewi
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Poverty was regarded as a common problem existed in many countries, either in developed countries or developing countries, even, the poverty was still a priority problem in SDGs era. In 2018 East Java was positioned on the first rank of highest level of poverty in Java, particularly Jember Regency was ranked in the second. The government of East Java has observed this poverty phenomenon on female society, which was then called as poverty feminization. Therefore, the government of East Java established a program of poverty alleviation on women, it was known as a feminization program of poverty reduction. This program aimed to provide job or job, so the matriarch would have access to several sectors, as economic, education, or health. The easy access given to the matriarch was expected to realize more quality of life. Methods: This research was categorized into quantitative research and exerted cross sectional approach. The total population in this research was taken from all women who got help from the feminization program of poverty reduction in Jember, specifically the total were about 1227 respondents. The method of sampling was purposive sampling by employing representative of data sampling in each sub-regency. The total sample in this research were 302 respondents. Further, the data was collected through instrument of WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, while the data was analyzed through Spearman correlation method. Results: According to the result of data analysis on factor of job to the life quality, it was obtained p-value of 0.000, which referred the correlation between job and life quality of matriarch. Moreover, the data analysis on factor of income to the life quality, it was obtained p-value of 0.000, which referred the relation between income and life quality of matriarch. Conclusion: There was a relation between job as well as income and the life quality of matriarch.

Keywords: matriarch; feminization of poverty; job; income; life quality
Computational Evaluation of Aerodynamic Loading on Retractable Landing-Gears
Authors: De Stefano Giuliano , Natale Nunzio , Reina Giovanni Paolo , Piccolo Antonio
Published: June 2020

Computational fluid dynamics is employed to evaluate the mean aerodynamic loading on the retractable landing-gears of a regional transport commercial aircraft. The mean turbulent flow around simplified landing-gear systems including doors is simulated by using the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes approach, where the governing equations are solved with a finite volume-based numerical method. Using a dynamic meshing method, the computational grid is automatically and continuously adapted to the time-changing geometry, while following the extension/retraction of the landing-gear systems. The temporal evolution of the aerodynamic forces on both the nose and the main landing-gears, along with the hinge moments of the doors, is numerically predicted. The proposed computational modeling approach is verified to have good practical potential when compared with reference experimental data provided by the Leonardo Aircraft structural loads group.
Tillage, Crop Rotation and Crop Residue Management Effects on Nutrient Availability in a Sweet Sorghum-Based Cropping System in Marginal Soils of South Africa
Authors: Malobane Mashapa E. , Nciizah Adornis D. , Mudau Fhatuwani N. , Wakindiki Isaiah I.C
Published: June 2020

The low soil fertility status of South African marginal soils threatens sustainable production of biofuel feedstock in smallholder farmers. It is therefore imperative to development sustainable and optimal management practices that improve soil fertility. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of tillage, rotation and crop residue management on nutrient availability in a bioenergy sweet sorghum-based cropping system in marginal soils. Two tillage levels, no-till (NT) and conventional tillage (CT); two crop rotations, sweet sorghum–grazing vetch–sweet sorghum (SVS) and sweet sorghum–fallow–sweet sorghum (SFS); and three crop residue retention levels, 0%, 15% and 30%, were tested. No-till enhanced total nitrogen, total organic nitrogen (TON), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na) by 3.19% to 45% compared to CT. SVS rotation increased ammonium (NH4+-N) and nitrate (NO3−-N) by 3.42% to 5.98% compared to SFS. A 30% crop residue retention increased NH4+-N, NO3−-N, available phosphorus (Available P), cation exchange capacity (CEC), calcium (Ca), Mg and potassium (K) by 3.58% to 31.94% compared to crop residue removal. In the short term, a 30% crop residue retention was the main treatment that enhanced soil fertility. The application of NT−30% was a better practice to enhance soil fertility. However, research on inclusion of crop diversity/intercropping can add more value to the NT–30% practice in enhancing soil fertility.
Grain Quality and Allelic Variation of the Badh2 Gene in Thai Fragrant Rice Landraces
Authors: Chan-in Phukjira , Jamjod Sansanee , Yimyam Narit , Rerkasem Benjavan , Pusadee Tonapha
Published: June 2020

Fragrance, which plays an important role in determining the economic value of rice to growers and consumers, is known to be controlled by the Badh2 gene. This study evaluated the grain quality characteristics and allelic variation of the Badh2 gene in 22 fragrant rice landraces from Thailand. The rice seed samples from farmers’ storage facilities in northern, northeastern and southern Thailand, plus two advanced breeding lines and three check varieties, were evaluated for seed morphology and grain quality, and their Badh2 genes covering intron 4 to intron 8 were re-sequenced. Almost all of the landraces were classified as large grain types, with medium to high gelatinization temperatures. The variation in the Badh2 gene by haplotype analysis correlated with grain aroma by sensory evaluation. The badh2-E7 was found in haplotype 1 with a strong aroma in KH, NDLP, and PLD, as in KDML105 and the moderately aromatic BNM-CMU, BNM4, and SKH, along with PTT1. Three haplotypes had different positions of SNP on the Badh2 gene with varying results in the sensory test. The present results suggest that some rice varieties could be potentially introduced as genetic resources for fragrant rice breeding programs or could be developed to highly palatable cultivars with geographical indications to increase the income of highland farmers.
Role of the Fungicide Seed Dressing in Controlling Seed-Borne Fusarium spp. Infection and in Enhancing the Early Development and Grain Yield of Maize
Authors: Capo Luca , Zappino Alessandro , Reyneri Amedeo , Blandino Massimo
Published: June 2020

Fusarium spp. are key pathogens in maize seeds and seedlings. The aim of this study has been to evaluate the effects of applying fungicides to maize seeds to increase the survival of seedlings and to enhance the early vigor and grain yield of the plants. The protective effects of 2-way (fludioxonil, metalaxil-M) and four-way (fludioxonil, metalaxil-M, azoxystrobin, thiabendazole) fungicide seed treatments were compared with an F. verticillioides seed infected control in 11 field trials carried out in North Italy. A second study focused on the impact F. verticillioides and F. graminearum seed-borne infection on plant growth and on the possible advantages of applying the previously reported seed dressing. The seed dressing increased the plant density, vigor during the whole vegetative growth cycle for all the production situations, and grain yield. F. verticillioides led to a higher seedling mortality than F. graminearum, while both species reduced plant growth and delayed the flowering date. Seed-borne infection has an important impact on both the population and vigor of maize plants. The four-way fungicide enhanced both the defense of the seedlings and the vigor of F. verticillioides infected plants, which in turn resulted in a significant improvement in grain yield, compared to a conventional two-way fungicide.
The Puzzle of Coccoid Forms of Helicobacter pylori: Beyond Basic Science
Authors: Ierardi Enzo , Losurdo Giuseppe , Mileti Alessia , Paolillo Rosa , Giorgio Floriana , Principi Mariabeatrice , Di Leo Alfredo
Published: June 2020

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) may enter a non-replicative, non-culturable, low metabolically active state, the so-called coccoid form, to survive in extreme environmental conditions. Since coccoid forms are not susceptible to antibiotics, they could represent a cause of therapy failure even in the absence of antibiotic resistance, i.e., relapse within one year. Furthermore, coccoid forms may colonize and infect the gastric mucosa in animal models and induce specific antibodies in animals and humans. Their detection is hard, since they are not culturable. Techniques, such as electron microscopy, polymerase chain reaction, loop-mediated isothermal amplification, flow cytometry and metagenomics, are promising even if current evidence is limited. Among the options for the treatment, some strategies have been suggested, such as a very high proton pump inhibitor dose, high-dose dual therapy, N-acetycysteine, linolenic acid and vonoprazan. These clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainties will represent fascinating challenges in the future.
Comment on “Differential Effects of MitoVitE, α-Tocopherol and Trolox on Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Function and Inflammatory Signalling Pathways in Endothelial Cells Cultured under Conditions Mimicking Sepsis. Antioxidants 2020, 9(3), 195”
Authors: Hegarty Karl J. , Byrne Frances L.
Published: June 2020

Minter, B [...]
Review of Structural Features and Binding Capacity of Polyphenols to Gluten Proteins and Peptides In Vitro: Relevance to Celiac Disease
Authors: Ribeiro Miguel , Sousa Telma de , Poeta Patrícia , Bagulho Ana Sofia , Igrejas Gilberto
Published: June 2020

Polyphenols have been extensively studied due to their beneficial effects on human health, particularly for the prevention and treatment of diseases related to oxidative stress. Nevertheless, they are also known to have an anti-nutritional effect in relation to protein metabolism. This effect is a consequence of its binding to digestive enzymes and/or protein substrates. Dietary gluten is the main trigger of celiac disease, a common immune-based disease of the small intestine and for which the only treatment available is the adherence to a gluten-free diet. Recent studies have addressed the use of dietary polyphenols to interact with gluten proteins and avoid its downstream deleterious effects, taking the advantage of the anti-nutritive nature of polyphenols by protein sequestering. Flavonoids, coumarins and tannins have shown the ability to form insoluble complexes with gluten proteins. One of the most promising molecules has been epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which through its binding to gliadins, was able to reduce gliadins digestibility and its ability to stimulate monolayer permeability and transepithelial transport of immunodominant peptides in cell models. This review focuses on the structural features and binding capacity of polyphenols to gluten proteins and peptides, and the prospects of developing an adjuvant therapy in celiac disease.
Kinematic Conceptual Design of In-Line Four-Cylinder Variable Compression Ratio Engine Mechanisms Considering Vertical Second Harmonic Acceleration
Authors: Kwak Seung Woo , Shim Jae Kyung , Mo Young Kwang
Published: June 2020

In the in-line four-cylinder engine, it is well known that the shaking force is due to the vertical second harmonic acceleration components of the pistons. This paper proposes a kinematic conceptual design method to determine the kinematic structure of a feasible in-line four-cylinder variable compression ratio (VCR) engine and its dimensions that would yield a lower vertical second harmonic acceleration at joints. Through type and dimensional synthesis, candidate VCR engine mechanisms are chosen and their dimensions satisfying design specifications are determined. Based on the analysis of the vertical second harmonic acceleration components at the joints, a feasible mechanism for an in-line four-cylinder VCR engine is selected. Then, the method finds the dimensions that yield a nearly minimized sum of the vertical second harmonic acceleration at each joint by adjusting the link lengths within specified tolerances. For validation, the result is compared with that of a constrained optimization using MATLAB. The proposed method would be useful at the conceptual design stage of multi-link multi-cylinder VCR and variable-stroke engine mechanisms where the second harmonic acceleration is an important design factor in the automotive industrial applications.
FTIR Microspectroscopy for the Assessment of Mycoplasmas in HepG2 Cell Culture
Authors: Pocasap Piman , Weerapreeyakul Natthida , Junhom Cholpajsorn , Phiboonchaiyanan Preeyaporn Plaimee , Srisayam Montra , Nonpunya Apiyada , Siriwarin Boondaree , Khamphio Munthipha , Nanok Chaiyachet , Thumanu Kanjana , Tanthanuch Waraporn , Barusrux Sahapat
Published: June 2020

To assess the presence and absence of mycoplasma contamination in cell culture, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy, coupled with multivariate analysis, was deployed to determine the biomolecular changes in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, HepG2, before and after mycoplasma contamination. The contaminated HepG2 cells were treated with antibiotic BM-Cyclin to decontaminate the mycoplasma, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was then performed to confirm the presence or the absence of mycoplasma contamination. The contaminated and decontaminated HepG2 cells were analyzed by FTIR microspectroscopy with principal component analysis (PCA) and peak integral area analysis. The results showed that the FTIR spectra of contaminated HepG2 cells demonstrated the alteration in the IR spectra corresponding to the lipid, protein, and nucleic acid regions. PCA analysis distinguished the spectral differences between the groups of mycoplasma-contaminated and -decontaminated cells. The PCA loading plots suggest that lipid and protein are the main contributed molecules for the difference between these two cell groups. Peak integral area analysis illustrated the increase of lipid and nucleic acid and the decrease of protein contents in the contaminated HepG2 cells. FTIR microspectroscopy is, therefore, proven to be a potential tool for assessing mycoplasma removal by monitoring biomolecular alterations in cell culture.
Prediction of Soluble Solids Content in Green Plum by Using a Sparse Autoencoder
Authors: Shen Luxiang , Wang Honghong , Liu Ying , Liu Yang , Zhang Xiao , Fei Yeqi
Published: June 2020

The soluble solids content (SSC) affects the flavor of green plums and is an important parameter during processing. In recent years, the hyperspectral technology has been widely used in the nondestructive testing of fruit ingredients. However, the prediction accuracy of most models can hardly be improved further. The rapid development of deep learning technology has established the foundation for the improvement of building models. A new hyperspectral imaging system aimed at measuring the green plum SSC is developed, and a sparse autoencoder (SAE)–partial least squares regression (PLSR) model is combined to further improve the accuracy of component prediction. The results of the experiment show that the SAE–PLSR model, which has a correlation coefficient of 0.938 and root mean square error of 0.654 for the prediction set, can achieve better performance for the SSC prediction of green plums than the three traditional methods. In this paper, integration approaches have combined three different pretreatment methods with PLSR to predict the SSC in green plums. The SAE–PLSR model has shown good prediction performance, indicating that the proposed SAE–PLSR model can effectively detect the SSC in green plums.
Fabrication and Characterization of Ferrofluidic-Based Wire-Wound and Wire-Bonded Type Inductor for Continuous RF Tunable Inductor
Authors: Torfian Hoveizavi Fatemeh Bani , Abdul Rhaffor Nuha , Sal Hamid Sofiyah , Mohamed Zain Khairu Anuar , Kunhi Mohd Shukri Korakkottil , Mustaffa Mohd Tafir , Abd Manaf Asrulnizam
Published: June 2020

This paper reports on the novel implementation of a tunable solenoid inductor using the fluid-based inductance varying technique. The concept utilized material permeability variation that directly modifies self-induced magnetic flow density inside the coil, which in turn creates a variation of the inductance value. The core is formed by a channel which allows the circulation of a liquid through it. The liquid proposed for this technique has ferromagnetic behavior, called ferrofluid, with a magnetic permeability higher than unity. To evaluate the proposed technique, two different types of solenoid inductor were designed, simulated and measured. The two structures are wire-wound and wire bond solenoid inductors. The structures are simulated in a 3D EM analysis tool followed by fabrication, test and measurement. The wire-bonded-based inductor showed a quality factor of 12.7 at 310 MHz, with 81% tuning ratio, by using ferrofluid EMG 901. The wire-wound-based inductor showed that the maximum tuning ratio is 90.6% with quality factor 31.3 at 300 MHz for ferro fluidic EMG 901. The maximum measured tuning ranges were equal to 83.5% and 56.2% for the wire-wound type and the wire-bonded one, respectively. The measurement results for the proposed technique showed a very high tuning range, as well as high quality factor and continuous tunability.
A Novel Energy Optimization Control Strategy for Electric Drive System Based on Current Angle
Authors: Hu Jianjun , Yang Ying , Jia Meixia , Guan Yongjie , Peng Tao
Published: June 2020

The combination of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) and inverter is the key electric drive system (EDS) of electric vehicles (EVs), and its overall efficiency seriously affects the energy consumption of EVs. In order to further improve the efficiency of PMSM-inverter, the influence of a special control object current angle β on EDS was studied and the general rule between β and EDS efficiency was obtained in this paper. Then, the golden section search (GSS) method was used to obtain optimal β and its corresponding stator current is, which can realize EDS working in optimal efficiency in the whole EDS working area. On this basis, an overall efficiency optimization control strategy for EDS based on the current angle β look-up table was proposed in this paper. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy, simulation considering iron loss and copper loss of motor and inverter loss was completed, which showed that compared with traditional control, the control strategy proposed in this paper can effectively improve the working efficiency of EDS under steady state and transient state.
Non-Destructive and Micro-Invasive Techniques for Characterizing the Ancient Roman Mosaic Fragments
Authors: Ion Rodica Mariana , Bakirov Bulat A. , Kichanov Sergey E. , Kozlenko Denis P. , Belushkin Alexander V. , Radulescu Cristiana , Dulama Ioana Daniela , Bucurica Ioan Alin , Gheboianu Anca Irina , Stirbescu Raluca Maria , Teodorescu Sofia , Iancu Lorena , David Madalina Elena , Grigorescu Ramona Marina
Published: June 2020

The color characteristics, vibration spectra, phase and mineral composition, internal structural organization of several fragments of the ancient Roman mosaics from the Roman Mosaic Museum, Constanta, Romania were studied by non-destructive (Chromatic analysis, Neutron Diffraction, Neutron Tomography) and micro-invasive techniques (Optical Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, Wavelength Dispersion X-ray Fluorescence). These investigations were performed in order to characterize the original Roman mosaic fragments. The major and minor phase components of the studied mosaic fragments were determined, the crystal structure of the main phases was analyzed, and their three-dimension spatial arrangement was reconstructed. The similar composition of the major phases of all mosaic fragments can indicate a generic recipe for making mosaic elements, but minor phases were presumably added for coloring of mosaic pieces. Some degradation areas inside the volume of the mosaic fragments were found by means of neutron diffraction and neutron tomography methods. These degradation areas are probably related to the formation of iron hydroxides during chemical interactions of mosaic fragments with the sea and urban polluted atmosphere.
Quantum Correlation via Skew Information and Bell Function Beyond Entanglement in a Two-Qubit Heisenberg XYZ Model: Effect of the Phase Damping
Authors: Mohamed Abdel-Baset A. , Farouk Ahmed , Yassen Mansour F. , Eleuch Hichem
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we analyze the dynamics of non-local correlations (NLCs) in an anisotropic two-qubit Heisenberg XYZ model under the effect of the phase damping. An analytical solution is obtained by applying a method based on the eigenstates and the eigenvalues of the Hamiltonian. It is observed that the generated NLCs are controlled by the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction, the purity indicator, the interaction with the environment, and the anisotropy. Furthermore, it is found that the quantum correlations, as well as the sudden death and sudden birth phenomena, depend on the considered physical parameters. In particular, the system presents a special correlation: the skew-information correlation. The log-negativity and the uncertainty-induced non-locality exhibit the sudden-change behavior. The purity of the initial states plays a crucial role on the generated nonlocal correlations. These correlations are sensitive to the DM interaction, anisotropy, and phase damping.
Additive Manufacturing of Reinforced Concrete—Development of a 3D Printing Technology for Cementitious Composites with Metallic Reinforcement
Authors: Classen Martin , Ungermann Jan , Sharma Rahul
Published: June 2020

Reinforced concrete (RC) is by far the most widely used composite material in the world. Despite the enormous economic importance of RC construction, there is a lack of viable concepts for its digital fabrication. While 3D printing of plain concrete has been pushed forward by a growing research community in recent years, methods for integration of steel reinforcement have only scarcely been researched and little attention has been payed to meet the practical requirements of construction sites and prefabrication plants. Therefore, full-scale implementations of current approaches are hardly available. Based on both, a sound review of R&D for digital fabrication of RC structures and an analysis of practical requirements, the present paper proposes a novel 3D printing process for RC structures, called Additive Manufacturing of Reinforced Concrete (AMoRC), viable for real-world application. In this hybrid process, consisting of an intermittent stud welding process and a continuous concrete extrusion process, segmented steel reinforcing bars are joined to form a three-dimensional reinforcement mesh and simultaneously encased with extruded concrete. The paper describes the conceptual design and development of the process and demonstrates the results of preliminary investigations on its feasibility. As AMoRC enables the operation of rebar welding and concrete extrusion process with synchronized feed rates, combination of both processes in one hybrid print head for digital fabrication of RC is a key-advantage of the proposed method.
Behavior of Longitudinal Plate-to-Rectangular Hollow Structural Section K-Connections Subjected to Cyclic Loading
Authors: Yoon Tae-Hyun , Eom Tae-Sung , Kim Chul-Goo , Kang Su-Min
Published: June 2020

This study investigated the behavior of longitudinal plate-to-rectangular hollow section (RHS) K-connections to which concrete-filled composite branch members were jointed. At the connections, longitudinal plates with or without chord face stiffener were welded to the RHS chord member and the branch members were connected to the longitudinal plates by bolting (slip-critical connection). Cyclic tests were performed for three longitudinal plate-to-RHS K-connection specimens. The tests showed that the connection behavior was dominated by the plastification of the thin chord face and by the slip and hole-bearing resistance of the bolted joint. Chord face plastification was prevented or delayed by using the stiffened longitudinal plate. The strengths of the plate-to-RHS K-connections with or without the chord face stiffener, depending on the governing limit states, were estimated in accordance with current design codes, and the results were compared with the test results.
Automatic Detection System of Deteriorated PV Modules Using Drone with Thermal Camera
Authors: Henry Chris , Poudel Sahadev , Lee Sang-Woong , Jeong Heon
Published: June 2020

In the last few decades, photovoltaic (PV) power station installations have surged across the globe. The output efficiency of these stations deteriorates with the passage of time due to multiple factors such as hotspots, shaded cell or module, short-circuited bypass diodes, etc. Traditionally, technicians inspect each solar panel in a PV power station using infrared thermography to ensure consistent output efficiency. With the advancement of drone technology, researchers have proposed to use drones equipped with thermal cameras for PV power station monitoring. However, most of these drone-based approaches require technicians to manually control the drone which in itself is a cumbersome task in the case of large PV power stations. To tackle this issue, this study presents an autonomous drone-based solution. The drone is mounted with both RGB (Red, Green, Blue) and thermal cameras. The proposed system can automatically detect and estimate the exact location of faulty PV modules among hundreds or thousands of PV modules in the power station. In addition, we propose an automatic drone flight path planning algorithm which eliminates the requirement of manual drone control. The system also utilizes an image processing algorithm to process RGB and thermal images for fault detection. The system was evaluated on a 1-MW solar power plant located in Suncheon, South Korea. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our solution.
Concurrent Validity and Reliability of My Jump 2 App for Measuring Vertical Jump Height in Recreationally Active Adults
Authors: Bogataj Špela , Pajek Maja , Andrašić Slobodan , Trajković Nebojša
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to examine the reliability, validity, and usefulness of the smartphone-based application, My Jump 2, against Optojump in recreationally active adults. Participants (18 women, 28.9 ± 5.6 years, and 26 men, 30.1 ± 10.6 years) completed squat jumps (SJ), counter-movement jumps (CMJ), and CMJ with arm swing (CMJAS) on Optojump and were simultaneously recorded using My Jump 2. To evaluate concurrent validity, jump height, calculated from flight time attained from each device, was compared for each jump type. Test-retest reliability was determined by replicating data analysis of My Jump 2 recordings on two occasions separated by two weeks. High test-retest reliability (Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) > 0.93) was observed for all measures in both male and female athletes. Very large correlations were observed between the My Jump 2 app and Optojump for SJ (r = 0.95, p = 0.001), CMJ (r = 0.98, p = 0.001), and CMJAS (r = 0.98, p = 0.001) in male athletes. Similar results were obtained for female recreational athletes for all jumps (r > 0.94, p = 0.001). The study results suggest that My Jump 2 is a valid, reliable, and useful tool for measuring vertical jump in recreationally active adults. Therefore, due to its simplicity and practicality, it can be used by practitioners, coaches, and recreationally-active adults to measure vertical jump performance with a simple test as SJ, CMJ, and CMJAS.
Chemo-Mechanical Model for the Expansion of Concrete Due to Alkali Silica Reaction
Authors: Sun Lianfang , Zhu Xingji , Zhuang Xiaoying , Zi Goangseup
Published: June 2020

A chemo-damage model is proposed to predict the expansion caused by the alkali silica reaction (ASR). The model covers the formation of the pre-expansion gel driven by alkali and the swelling of the gel driven by water. The swelling capacity of the ASR gel is quantified by the sodium to calcium ratio in the pore solution. The bound alkali in the gel recycled by calcium is also considered in this model. Both external alkali supply and internal alkali released from aggregates are included. Several sets of experimental data are compared with the simulation results for the verification of the model.
Safe pHRI via the Variable Stiffness Safety-Oriented Mechanism (V2SOM): Simulation and Experimental Validations
Authors: Ayoubi Younsse , Laribi Med Amine , Arsicault Marc , Zeghloul Saïd
Published: June 2020

Robots are gaining a foothold day-by-day in different areas of people’s lives. Collaborative robots (cobots) need to display human-like dynamic performance. Thus, the question of safety during physical human–robot interaction (pHRI) arises. Herein, we propose making serial cobots intrinsically compliant to guarantee safe pHRI via our novel designed device, V2SOM (variable stiffness safety-oriented mechanism). Integrating this new device at each rotary joint of the serial cobot ensures a safe pHRI and reduces the drawbacks of making robots compliant. Thanks to its two continuously linked functional modes—high and low stiffness—V2SOM presents a high inertia decoupling capacity, which is a necessary condition for safe pHRI. The high stiffness mode eases the control without disturbing the safety aspect. Once a human–robot (HR) collision occurs, a spontaneous and smooth shift to low stiffness mode is passively triggered to safely absorb the impact. To highlight V2SOM’s effect in safety terms, we consider two complementary safety criteria: impact force (ImpF) criterion and head injury criterion (HIC) for external and internal damage evaluation of blunt shocks, respectively. A pre-established HR collision model is built in Matlab/Simulink (v2018, MathWorks, France) in order to evaluate the latter criterion. This paper presents the first V2SOM prototype, with quasi-static and dynamic experimental evaluations.
Development of Advanced Computer Aid Model for Shear Strength of Concrete Slender Beam Prediction
Authors: Sharafati Ahmad , Haghbin Masoud , Aldlemy Mohammed Suleman , Mussa Mohamed H. , Al Zand Ahmed W. , Ali Mumtaz , Bhagat Suraj Kumar , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Yaseen Zaher Mundher
Published: June 2020

High-strength concrete (HSC) is highly applicable to the construction of heavy structures. However, shear strength (Ss) determination of HSC is a crucial concern for structure designers and decision makers. The current research proposes the novel models based on the combination of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) with several meta-heuristic optimization algorithms, including ant colony optimizer (ACO), differential evolution (DE), genetic algorithm (GA), and particle swarm optimization (PSO), to predict the Ss of HSC slender beam. The proposed models were constructed using several input combinations incorporating several related dimensional parameters such as effective depth of beam (d), shear span (a), maximum size of aggregate (ag), compressive strength of concrete (fc), and percentage of tension reinforcement (ρ). To assess the impact of the non-homogeneity of the dataset on the prediction result accuracy, two possible modeling scenarios, (i) non-processed (initial) dataset (NP) and (ii) pre-processed dataset (PP), are inspected by several performance indices. The modeling results demonstrated that ANFIS-PSO hybrid model attained the best prediction accuracy over the other models and for the pre-processed input parameters. Several uncertainty analyses were examined (i.e., model, variables, and data), and results indicated predicting the HSC shear strength was more sensitive to the model structure uncertainty than the input parameters.
Microwave Photonic Frequency Conversion Based on a Wavelength Swept Laser
Authors: Kong Youxue , Cao Yuan , Wang Lin , Wang Guangying , Feng Xinhuan , Guan Bai-Ou
Published: June 2020

Microwave photonic frequency conversion, with flexible tunability and a simple structure based on a wavelength swept laser (WSL), is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. In the proposed frequency conversion system, a broadband WSL was used to generate a frequency-chirped optical carrier, which was sent to a Mach Zehnder modulator (MZM). A microwave signal, with its frequency to be converted, was applied to the MZM. The modulated signal was then sent to a dispersive device, where the waveform was compressed or expanded depending on the dispersion of the dispersive device. After photodetection, a frequency up-converted or down-converted microwave signal was generated. The tuning of the conversion frequency was achieved by adjusting the chirp rate of the optical carrier from the WSL or the dispersion of the dispersive device. The proposed approach was experimentally demonstrated. A microwave signal, with its frequency at 5 GHz, was up-converted to 5.577 GHz and down-converted to 4.936 GHz. The quality of the frequency converted microwave signal was also evaluated. The conversion performance could be further improved by introducing a WSL with a high duty cycle.
Critical Examination of the Parametric Approaches to Analysis of the Non-Verbal Human Behavior: A Case Study in Facial Pre-Touch Interaction
Authors: Keshmiri Soheil , Shiomi Masahiro , Shatani Kodai , Minato Takashi , Ishiguro Hiroshi
Published: June 2020

A prevailing assumption in many behavioral studies is the underlying normal distribution of the data under investigation. In this regard, although it appears plausible to presume a certain degree of similarity among individuals, this presumption does not necessarily warrant such simplifying assumptions as average or normally distributed human behavioral responses. In the present study, we examine the extent of such assumptions by considering the case of human–human touch interaction in which individuals signal their face area pre-touch distance boundaries. We then use these pre-touch distances along with their respective azimuth and elevation angles around the face area and perform three types of regression-based analyses to estimate a generalized facial pre-touch distance boundary. First, we use a Gaussian processes regression to evaluate whether assumption of normal distribution in participants’ reactions warrants a reliable estimate of this boundary. Second, we apply a support vector regression (SVR) to determine whether estimating this space by minimizing the orthogonal distance between participants’ pre-touch data and its corresponding pre-touch boundary can yield a better result. Third, we use ordinary regression to validate the utility of a non-parametric regressor with a simple regularization criterion in estimating such a pre-touch space. In addition, we compare these models with the scenarios in which a fixed boundary distance (i.e., a spherical boundary) is adopted. We show that within the context of facial pre-touch interaction, normal distribution does not capture the variability that is exhibited by human subjects during such non-verbal interaction. We also provide evidence that such interactions can be more adequately estimated by considering the individuals’ variable behavior and preferences through such estimation strategies as ordinary regression that solely relies on the distribution of their observed behavior which may not necessarily follow a parametric distribution.
A Household Energy Efficiency Index Assessment Method Based on Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring Data
Authors: Kong Xiangyu , Zhu Shijian , Huo Xianxu , Li Shupeng , Li Ye , Zhang Siqiong
Published: June 2020

Various countries in the world are vigorously developing energy-saving industries and attaching importance to the improvement of household energy efficiency, but it is difficult to evaluate user power consumption characteristics due to insufficient information and large data granularity. It is, however, possible to evaluate the energy efficiency of household users via non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM). This paper explores the energy efficiency assessment of residential users and proposes a household energy efficiency assessment method based on NILM data. An energy efficiency assessment index of residents is provided by analyzing factors that affect residents’ energy efficiency. This index is clear, operable, and easy to obtain and quantify. Based on NILM information, clustering, and comprehensive evaluation, as well as combining the entropy weight method with the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), a user’s energy efficiency can be evaluated and analyzed. Some case studies are provided to verify the validity of the proposed method based on non-intrusive information, to analyze the characteristics and deficiencies of the user’s energy consumption, and to give corresponding energy recommendations.
Optimal Fuzzy Impedance Control for a Robot Gripper Using Gradient Descent Iterative Learning Control in Fuzzy Rule Base Design
Authors: Huynh Ba-Phuc , Kuo Yong-Lin
Published: June 2020

This paper proposes a novel control approach for a robot gripper in which the impedance control, fuzzy logic control, and iterative learning control are combined in the same control schema. The impedance control is used to keep the gripping force at the desired value. The fuzzy impedance controller is designed to estimate the best impedance parameters in real time when gripping unknown objects. The iterative learning control process is employed to optimize the sample dataset for designing the rule base to enhance the effectiveness of the fuzzy impedance controller. Besides, the real-time gripping force estimator is designed to keep an unknown object from sliding down when picking it up. The simulation and experiment are implemented to verify the proposed method. The comparison with another control method is also made by repeating the experiments under equivalent conditions. The results show the feasibility and superiority of the proposed method.
Development and Characterization of a DC-Driven Thermal Oscillator Using Acrylate-Based Composites
Authors: Xu Mingxin , Yeh Chao-Chi , Chen Syuan-Wen , Yang Yao-Joe
Published: June 2020

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of a thermal oscillator driven by fixed DC voltages. The proposed device consists of a miniaturized ultra-sensitive temperature sensor and a microheater. The temperature sensor was fabricated by depositing acrylate-based temperature sensing material with a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect on an interdigital electrode pair, and this was the key component that enabled oscillations by periodically switching the microheater on and off. The acrylate-based material, which was prepared by dispersing an acrylate copolymer with graphite particles, exhibits an order-of-magnitude variation in resistivity over a temperature change of a few degrees. The transient behavior of the fabricated device was measured, and the effects on different driving conditions with active cooling were measured and discussed. In addition, the measurement results also show that the temperature drift is not obvious in long-term testing, which indicates that the acrylate composite is quite reliable during repeated phase transition.
A Comprehensive Survey of the Harmony Search Algorithm in Clustering Applications
Authors: Abualigah Laith , Diabat Ali , Geem Zong Woo
Published: June 2020

The Harmony Search Algorithm (HSA) is a swarm intelligence optimization algorithm which has been successfully applied to a broad range of clustering applications, including data clustering, text clustering, fuzzy clustering, image processing, and wireless sensor networks. We provide a comprehensive survey of the literature on HSA and its variants, analyze its strengths and weaknesses, and suggest future research directions.
Topic Word Embedding-Based Methods for Automatically Extracting Main Aspects from Product Reviews
Authors: Park Sang-Min , Lee Sung Joon , On Byung-Won
Published: June 2020

Detecting the main aspects of a particular product from a collection of review documents is so challenging in real applications. To address this problem, we focus on utilizing existing topic models that can briefly summarize large text documents. Unlike existing approaches that are limited because of modifying any topic model or using seed opinion words as prior knowledge, we propose a novel approach of (1) identifying starting points for learning, (2) cleaning dirty topic results through word embedding and unsupervised clustering, and (3) automatically generating right aspects using topic and head word embedding. Experimental results show that the proposed methods create more clean topics, improving about 25% of Rouge–1, compared to the baseline method. In addition, through the proposed three methods, the main aspects suitable for given data are detected automatically.
Applications of Artificial Neural Networks in Greenhouse Technology and Overview for Smart Agriculture Development
Authors: Escamilla-García Axel , Soto-Zarazúa Genaro M. , Toledano-Ayala Manuel , Rivas-Araiza Edgar , Gastélum-Barrios Abraham
Published: June 2020

This article reviews the applications of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in greenhouse technology, and also presents how this type of model can be developed in the coming years by adapting to new technologies such as the internet of things (IoT) and machine learning (ML). Almost all the analyzed works use the feedforward architecture, while the recurrent and hybrid networks are little exploited in the various tasks of the greenhouses. Throughout the document, different network training techniques are presented, where the feasibility of using optimization models for the learning process is exposed. The advantages and disadvantages of neural networks (NNs) are observed in the different applications in greenhouses, from microclimate prediction, energy expenditure, to more specific tasks such as the control of carbon dioxide. The most important findings in this work can be used as guidelines for developers of smart protected agriculture technology, in which systems involve technologies 4.0.
Resazurin-Based Assay for Quantifying Living Cells during Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Release
Authors: Balbaied Thanih , Moore Eric
Published: June 2020

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an important reporter gene in the gene expression system, therefore monitoring cellular behavior including cell viability during ALP release is of significance. This assay produced a quantitative resazurin-based assay for cell viability in embryonic and cancer cells during alkaline phosphatase (ALP) release. A post-confluence culture method was applied to induce ALP in the cells of Balb/c 3T3, A549, MCF-7, and Ht-29. The density of each cell type was optimized using the standard cell culture assay. The main parameters affecting the results of resazurin involve the concentration of resazurin, incubation time, and cell number. The redox reaction, in which resazurin is reduced by the cells, was measured by fluorescence at 544 nm and 590 nm. The obtained data were compared with the hemocytometer assay. ALP release was determined using the optical active substrate p-nitrophenyl phosphate and colorimetric assay.