bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accountable Care and Evidence-Based Decision Making
Authors: Wickramasinghe Nilmini , Goldberg Steve L
Published: August 2016

In today's cost challenged healthcare environment accountable care and evidence-based decision making have become important considerations. Contemporaneous to this is the fact that the superior management of diabetes has become a global priority especially given the exponential increase in the number of diabetes patients as well as the financial implications of treating this silent epidemic. Thus, this research focuses on trying to address these respective yet critical issues by examining the possibility of using a mobile web-based reporting system that taps into existing widely available resources to monitor and manage gestational diabetes. To test this solution, we adopted a randomized control trial with two-arm cross over applied to a not-for profit hospital in Victoria, Australia. From the perspective of practice, we have uncovered far reaching implications for hospital management's cost vs. quality care to patients. In particular, it appears that the adoption of smartphones to support many aspects of care and patient-clinician interactions is prudent.
Learning Engineering Skills through Creativity and Collaboration
Authors: Gil Marisa , Otero Beatriz
Published: August 2016

Games are a very helpful tool for developing both technical and social skills and considerable experience has already been gained in using computer games for introducing young people to the digital world. Game-based educational tools have been proven to increase soft skills in learners, such as critical thinking, creative problem solutions, and abilities for teamwork. In this chapter the authors propose the use of computer games in a Computer Science course to provide students with a deeper and more complete acquisition of the skills required in Engineering than that available in ordinary lab exercises. The games used for the lab are real complete distributed applications based on a server and client part and open source, enabling students to study the code and propose changes to add functionalities or improve those already existing. The fact that these changes in the code affect students' satisfaction as players themselves makes the study more appealing and furnishes a better learning experience.
Pedagogical Mini-Games Integrated into Hybrid Course to Improve Understanding of Computer Programming
Authors: Nuninger Walter , Châtelet Jean-Marie
Published: August 2016

To improve learning efficiency in Computer Programming courses, a voluntary decision was to fully integrate different learner-centered pedagogical devices. The result is the development of a set of pedagogical serious mini-Games (mGs) in synchronous time in the classroom for a decided scenario of the hybrid course. Supported by a Learning Management System, the innovation results in a common flexible and modular framework for mGs, taking into account a really short duration and higher constraints of the training. The expected outcome is to make future end users (who will not be IT developers) aware of the potential of the underlying transversal skills developed while building up universal algorithms, stressing functional analysis regardless of specific expertise required for a given coding. The challenge is to make their knowledge ownership easier, to prevent rejection, to incent involvement and collective intelligence and further Agile method adoption with a concern for quality.
Ion Channels, Nanomechanics, and Nanomedicine
Authors: Talukdar Keka
Published: August 2016

Ion channels are naturally occurring pores found in all living organisms. These may be of different types, activated by many stimuli, but their addition or alteration may cause serious physiological issues. They allow some ions to pass through them and are resistant for some ions. So they are ion selective. For the pharmaceutical industry, ion channels are now bird's eye view as many drugs, intended to cure a disease, target ion channels located in a specific part of our body. Quantum dots, nanoparticles, carbon nanomaterials change the channel properties in a considerable amount. A huge potential of targeting the ion channels for changing the treatment procedure completely is now opening a new side of nanomechanics, nanofluidics, biophysics and medicine. The following paragraphs will describe how experimental as well as theoretical studies can bring a lot of change in the field of medicine. The fatal disease like cancer and male infertility; these two important issues are addressed here. The dependent of such diseases on ion channels and the way of treating them are emphasized.
CNS Targeted Nanoparticle Drug Delivery
Authors: Chopra Dimple Sethi
Published: August 2016

The idea of formulating brain permeable nanoparticles stems from the need to treat various neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, depression and brain tumors. Neuropeptides, antibiotics, anticancer drugs and many CNS active drugs cannot cross blood brain barrier (BBB). Studies have revealed that when these drugs are loaded on to nanoparticles they not only cross BBB, but also exhibit decreased side effects. The drug can be dissolved, dispersed, encapsulated inside the nanoparticle or attached on to surface of nanoparticles. In 1995, dalargin was the first drug to be delivered across blood brain barrier (BBB) using polysorbate 80 coated nanoparticles. The size of nanoparticles is usually between 10-1000nm. For crossing BBB it should be less than 300 nm.
Silver Oxide–Copper Oxide Nanocomposite Preparation and Antimicrobial Activity as a Source for the Treatment of Fish Diseases
Authors: Shaffiey Sayed Reza , Shaffiey Sayedeh Fatemeh
Published: August 2016

Aeromonas hydrophila is a heterotrophic, gram negative bacterium which is primary or secondary cause of ulcers, fin rot, tail rot, and hemorrhagic septicaemia in fish. The treatments for this infection are only restricted to some antibiotics. So, novel materials are being searched for combating with bacterial infections and the resulting consequences. In this chapter, Ag2O/CuO nanocomposites were synthesized chemically and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron micrograph (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The antimicrobial activities of Ag2O/CuO nanoparticles (NPs), was checked by both well diffusion and turbidometric (spectrophotometric) method. Synthesized nanoparticles exhibited their antimicrobial efficacy in both the standard inhibitory assays; these results thus provide a scope for further research on the application of Ag2O/CuO nanoparticles as disinfectant and/or antibiotic in the fishery industry.
Forming Behaviour of Micro-Structured Aluminium Sheets
Authors: Czotscher Tobias
Published: August 2016

For a deeper understanding of the forming behaviour of perforated aluminium sheets (Al99.5) in micro deep drawing processes, tensile and stretch forming tests are performed at forming speeds of 0.1 mm/s and 0.25 mm/s. The sheets have thicknesses of 100 µm and 200 µm, a perforated rectangular hole geometry of 300 µm x 300 µm and a bar width of 40 µm. During stretch-forming tests the flow characteristics and failure mechanisms within the mesh structure are determined. An isotropic forming behaviour with low ductility is observed. The maximum stretch-forming depth is increased at increasing perforated area. The mesh structure failure is peripherally obtained due to notch effects, friction and micro related size effects within the mesh structure. Moreover, the results show that cracks and necking within the mesh structure occur only tangentially to the punch movement due to high uniaxial stresses caused by the forming process.
Determination of Influencing Factors on Ring Climbing in Radial-Axial Ring Rolling via Design of Experiments
Authors: Husmann Simon , Kuhlenkötter Bernd
Published: August 2016

Seamless rings are applied in several industrial sectors and are mainly produced by radial-axial ring rolling. Ring climbing is one of the most occurring process errors leading to a distortion of the ring’s cross section. This paper presents the determination of the influencing factors and their impact and correlations on the process error of ring climbing via Design of Experiment. The highest impact on the climbing height of a ring has the adjustment of the rolling table and the guide rolls. Relatively low but still noticeable is the influence of the process parameters of the rings displacement and the unequal axial rolling speeds. With this knowledge it will be possible to develop, test and implement a rolling strategy that may reduce or avoid ring climbing successfully.
Quick Stop Device to Analyze the Chip Formation Mechanisms in Face Grinding
Authors: Göttsching Tim , Wippermann Andi , Grove Thilo
Published: August 2016

The chip formation mechanisms during grinding are not yet fully understood. The abrupt interruption of the grinding process with a quick stop device is a suitable method to analyze the chip formation mechanisms during grinding. However, there is no device available that enables a reproducible interruption at cutting speeds above vc = 5 m/s. Therefore a new method for the interruption of face grinding processes in order to analyze the chip formation mechanisms is presented in this paper. A quick stop device is designed and constructed based on the advantages and disadvantages of former approaches of other researchers. Grinding experiments with different rotational speeds confirm the potential of this new device. Interruptions of the grinding process at cutting speeds of vc = 5 m/s, 15 m/s, 25 m/s and 35 m/s are successfully accomplished. A detailed analysis of the contact zone with the help of SEM pictures impressively shows the interaction of hundreds of cutting edges along the contact zone.
Hybrid Metal-Composite Interfaces: Aspects of Design, Characterisation, and Simulation
Authors: Kießling Robert , Hirsch Franz , Dammann Christian , Bobbert Mathias , Pohl Markus , Kaestner Markus
Published: August 2016

This contribution gives an overview of the simulative engineering of metal-composite interfaces. To this end, several design aspects on the microscale and macroscale are explained and methods to model the mechanical behaviour of the interface within finite element simulations are discussed. This comprises the utilization of cohesive elements with a continuum description of the interface. Likewise, traction-separation based cohesive elements, i.e. a zero-thickness idealization of the interface, are explained and applied to a demonstration example. Within these finite element simulations, the constitutive behaviour of the connected components has to be described by suitable material models. Therefore, inelastic material models are formulated based on rheological models.
Basic Numerical Analysis of a “Samanta” Based Forward Extrusion Process
Authors: Kiener Christoph , Andreas Kolja , Merklein Marion
Published: August 2016

Cold forging enables industrial mass production of steel based components characterized by high strength and precision. The present study focuses on the FE-based analysis of a forward extrusion process. The investigated process is the so called “Samanta”-process. In practice, this is also refered to extrusion in package. During the forming, multiple blanks are pressed sequentially through a die. The results reveal the process-specific "crown-shaped" area in the upper end region of the components. Furthermore, the tribological conditions reveal a great influence on the resulting component properties.
Comparative Study on Pulsed Laser Welding Strategies for Contacting Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Schmitz Patrick
Published: August 2016

The transition towards renewable energy implicates more decentralized and time-dependent ways of energy generation. In order to deal with the resulting fluctuation in energy supply, local storage systems are necessary. Larger systems may consist of thousands of battery cells. Therefore, the reliable interconnection between the individual battery cells is the basic prerequisite for the production of these systems. It has been demonstrated that laser beam welding is a suitable process for the contacting of batteries. However, due to the high requirements regarding the heat input and the reproducibility of the joining process, further investigations are necessary. Within this work, experiments on pulsed laser beam welding of nickel-plated DC04 steel were conducted. Four different pulsed welding strategies were analyzed in a preliminary study in order to develop a method for obtaining suitable process parameters while reducing the amount of free parameters. Subsequently, a comparative study between the rectangular pulse, the shaped pulse, the spike pulse and the sloping pulse was carried out. The weld seam properties as well as the electrical and the mechanical properties of the connection joints were evaluated. The results presented in this paper indicate a high eligibility of pulsed laser beam welding as a joining process for the connection of battery cells. For all analyzed pulsed welding strategies a homogeneous weld seam without full penetration was observed. Similar electrical resistances for all strategies were measured despite the comparatively small total joint area for the discretely pulsed weld seams.
Simulating the Bearing Load due to Unbalance in Wood Machining Tools
Authors: Kimmelmann Martin , Stehle Thomas
Published: August 2016

To realise the high cutting speeds required in wood machining for a productive cutting process, high-speed spindles are used especially in CNC machining centres. The high rotational speed during operation, however, results in great centrifugal forces at the tool. Particularly unbalance here leads to a great loading of the spindle bearing as well as to reduced occupational safety. Unlike metal removal, the machining of wood and engineered wood products is subject to other requirements regarding the process parameters, such as e.g. higher cutting speeds or material removal rates. For that reason, economical sensible balance qualities for tools in wood machining are analysed within the IGF project 18381 N „Establishing the necessary balance quality of tools in wood machining“, which is carried out in cooperation with a working group from industry and funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). In order to analyse how unbalances in tools influences the loads of the spindle bearing, a simulation model of a spindle will be developed and constructed for wood machining. Serving as a basis of the model, the frequency responses of the static spindle will be established by experiment. Based on this, the natural vibration behaviour of the spindle will be simulated in a finite element model. Finally, it will be presented how test tools with different balance conditions influence the bearing load of the spindle.
Investigation of the Anisotropic Strain Rate Dependency of AA5182-O and DC04 for Different Stress States
Authors: Lenzen Matthias , Affronti Emanuela , Rosenschon Martin , Merklein Marion
Published: August 2016

A more precise numerical simulation of sheet metal forming processes leads to a demand for more detailed material characterisation. Hence, it is advisable to consider the strain rate reliant and anisotropic material characteristics. There are various common sheet metals that have beside of an anisotropic a more or less distinct strain rate dependent material behaviour. With regard to these material characteristics, for a more detailed numerical prediction of a sheet metal forming process, it is necessary to include the aspect of deformation velocity. A characterisation of the strain rate dependent hardening behaviour for the two common sheet metals DC04 and AA5182-O is performed under tensile as well as shear load and their behaviour is compared after v. Mises equivalent stress and strain. The two strain rate models from Norton-Hoff and Tanimura are calibrated on basis of the experimental data and their applicability for the investigated materials is evaluated. The calibration of the strain rate sensitive models showed for both materials a very good comparability, respectively.
In Situ Topology Measurement of Micro Structured Surfaces with a Confocal Chromatic Sensor on a Desktop Sized Machine Tool
Authors: Müller Christopher , Reichenbach Ingo G. , Bohley Martin , Aurich Jan Christian
Published: August 2016

In this research a confocal chromatic point sensor was implemented in a desktop sized machine tool. The sensor was used to detect the surface in z-direction. Data from the machine control of the x- and y-axes is extracted and combined with the z- information of the sensor to directly scan surfaces. With the presented sensor, micro structures as small as 5 μm can be characterized. Based on the possibilities of this measuring system, face milling before the actual micro machining can be avoided by determining tilts and waviness of the workpiece. Also the effective tool diameter can be determined and compensated. After machining, the structure can be measured for quality control. Based on this measurement system, a micro machining process was developed broadening the potential for the use of desktop sized machine tools.
Modeling the Sequence Dependent Lateness of a Single Workstation
Authors: Bertsch Sebastian , Felix Carolin , Nyhuis Peter
Published: August 2016

Due date reliability is a critical competitive factor for manufacturing companies and hence a central objective in logistics. Nonetheless, many businesses are unable to meet their own schedule reliability standards. The reasons for the insufficient achievement of logistical targets are inherent in the diverse and interdependent influential factors that affect schedule reliability. However, logistical models enable to determine these interdependencies. This paper introduces the operating curves of output lateness of a single workstation for various sequencing methods. The parameter studies comprise the preliminary work necessary to provide a complete, model-based description of production schedule deviations.
Methodology for the Development of Hardware Startups
Authors: Stock Tim , Seliger Günther
Published: August 2016

Startups can substantially contribute to the industrial development in the early and newly industrialized countries by transforming technological inventions into products and services. By means of the market dynamics of cooperation and competition in global value creation and knowledge networks, new products and services can conduce to a global industrial development. Hence, in pursuance of an efficient and effective startup development, this paper will present a new methodology for the integrated development of the product and of the business model for a hardware startup. Hardware startups address the development of innovative tangible products. The hardware product itself may consist of mechanical, electronical, and software components. The methodology is based on a micro cycle for the problem-solving procedure on the level of single process steps as well as on a macro cycle as procedure for the overall integrated development of the startup. For each phase of the macro cycle, specific modelling methods for the product and business model are proposed. Finally, a proof of concept on the basis of a student startup, which is developing a micro wind turbine, will be presented.
An Experimental-Numerical Method to Determine the Plastic Work Converted into Heat Applied on AHSS
Authors: Bonk Christian , Vucetic Milan , Bouguecha Anas , Behrens Bernd-Arno
Published: August 2016

In this Study a Heat Transfer Model in Combination with Experimental Tests is Used to Determine the Portion of Plastic Work that is Converted into Heat (also Known as the Taylor-Quinney Coefficient, Inelastic Heat Fraction or IHF and Generally Noted β) during the Deformation of Two Modern Automotive Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS) DP600 and DP1000. Therefore, Uniaxial Tension Tests were Performed under Vacuum in a Deformation-Dilatometer and the Temperature was Captured by Fine-Wire Thermocouples on Three Different Points on the Surface of the Tensile-Specimen during the Plastic Deformation. Afterwards, a Heat Transfer Model was Used to Calculate the Heat Loss at the Points of the Temperature Measurements and they were Accounted in the Final Energy Balance to Determine the Fraction of Plastic Work Converted to Heat. the Results Show that the Fraction of Plastic Work Converted into Heat is Decreasing from 1 to 0.21 over a Tensile Strain Range of 0 to 0.18. Finally, a Finite Element Model of the Tensile Test was Used to Show the Improvement of the Determined Factor in the Calculation of the Temperature Field Compared to the Classical Assumption that β Equals to 0.9.
Virtual Reality for Industrial Application - The Influence of Presence and its Relation to Usability and User Experience
Authors: Brade Jennifer , Lorenz Mario , Klimant Philipp , Pürzel Franziska , Putz Matthias
Published: August 2016

Virtual and augmented reality are two big buzzwords in the industrial context and they are increasingly used. A main argument for the use of virtual techniques are their economic benefits, which are confirmed by pilot studies. However there is a research gap on how virtual techniques influence the user. This study addresses the impacts of virtual environments on presence, usability and user experience compared to a real environment. Therefore two groups of participants take part in a geocaching tour through the real or virtual city center of Chemnitz and rate the presence of the environment as well as the usability and user experience of a mobile navigation application. The results of 60 participants show that there are general differences between the environments and verify the strengths and weaknesses of virtual environments: Virtual techniques have a positive influence on the user, like a more engaging experience and a perceived higher hedonic quality of the product. Beside these benefits the negative effects have to be considered too, because they influence the ratings of the user. This study shows the potential of virtual techniques for the user and also the deficits, that need to be improved.
Process-Integrated Projection Welding during Deep Drawing
Authors: Jalanesh Masood , Miller Andre , Hehmann Marco , Spiekermeier André , Hübner Sven , Behrens Bernd-Arno
Published: August 2016

Within deep drawing processes, welding represents an innovative approach to optimising the branched process chains which entail uneconomic process steps in production and transport lines. Previous applications of thermal joining processes in presses required a downstream process step for joining standardised functional elements such as nuts. Within the scope of this publication, a weldable tool system is presented which offers the possibility of welding a deep drawing component to an automatically added non-standardised holder in a single-step deep drawing process without additional dwell time in the bottom dead point. In order to realise this innovative tool system, the interdependencies of deep drawing and projection welding are considered to enable a splash-free welding on flat and curved component areas, such as the rounding of a punch edge. Based on experimental research a special concept for the tool kinematics of welding electronics is drawn up which is based on press kinematics. In addition, this article also deals with electric insulation and the forming forces which have an impact on the welding electrodes integrated into the active surface of the forming tool. Thus, the joining process becomes independent from the type of press.
A New Integrated Border Security Approach: The FP7 PERSEUS Project
Authors: Real-Arce Daniel A. , Quevedo Eduardo , Barrera Carlos , Hernández Joaquin , Llinás Octavio , Barbero Fernando , Morais Alvaro
Published: August 2016

AbstractPERSEUS (Protection of European Borders and Seas Through the Intelligent Use of Surveillance) was selected as a demonstration project in the FP7 Security call FP7-SEC-2010-1. Its goals were to define and demonstrate a European concept for maritime surveillance systems
and to deploy it across the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean. The systems were set to operate in a real-life environment by exercising a comprehensive set of maritime surveillance cross-border scenarios between 2013 and 2015. During its 4.5 years, it involved 32 partners from 12 countries
with a budget of 42M€. PERSEUS is set in the EUROSUR policy context. EUROSUR is the information exchange framework designed to improve the management of Europe's external borders. It aims to support member states by increasing their situational awareness and reaction capability in combating
cross-border crime, tackling irregular migration, and preventing loss of migrant lives at sea. However, it also is in the reality of the existing national and regional systems operated by each member state to monitor its own maritime space. The PERSEUS project delivered successful results
in three different domains. Some of them are a validated solution enabling shared surveillance of maritime borders (operational); an architecture, domain, target vision, and processes contributing to EUROSUR (integration); and recommendations and lessons learned toward evolving collaborative
maritime surveillance policies (best practices). The line followed by PERSEUS using autonomous maritime surveillance systems such as the Wave Glider (http://www.liquidr.com) opens new research lines for future
collaboration opportunities.
The CoMAS Project: New Materials and Tools for Improving the In situ Documentation, Restoration, and Conservation of Underwater Archaeological Remains
Authors: Bruno Fabio , Muzzupappa Maurizio , Barbieri Loris , Gallo Alessandro , Ritacco Gerardo , Lagudi Antonio , La Russa Mauro Francesco , Ruffolo Silvestro Antonio , Crisci Gino Mirocle , Ricca Michela , Comite Valeria , Davidde Pietraggi Barbara , Di Stefano Giuseppe , Guida Ramona
Published: August 2016

AbstractOn November 2, 2001, the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage provided a detailed state cooperation system and set out the basic principles for the protection of underwater cultural heritage. To date, the Convention has been ratified
by 51 countries. One of the four main principles states that the In situ preservation of underwater cultural heritage should be considered as the first option before allowing or engaging in any further activities. In accordance with these principles and recommendations, in the last
years many projects intended for developing and testing new techniques and tools to support In situ conservation of underwater archaeological remains have been funded and are now underway.This paper describes the contribution of the CoMAS project (In situ conservation planning
of Underwater Archaeological Artifacts—http://www.comasproject.eu), funded by the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (MIUR) and run by a partnership of private companies and public
research centers. The CoMAS project aims at the development of new materials, techniques, and tools for the documentation, conservation, and restoration of underwater archaeological sites in their natural environment. The paper describes in detail the results achieved during the project in
the development of innovative materials, mechatronic tools, and armed remotely operated vehicle systems that can efficiently support the restorers' work in all their activities for preserving underwater cultural heritage in its original location on the seafloor.
Widely Scalable Mobile Underwater Sonar Technology: An Overview of the H2020 WiMUST Project
Authors: Abreu Pedro , Antonelli Gianluca , Arrichiello Filippo , Caffaz Andrea , Caiti Andrea , Casalino Giuseppe , Volpi Nicola Catenacci , de Jong Ivan Bielic , De Palma Daniela , Duarte Henrique , Gomes Joao Pedro , Grimsdale Jonathan , Indiveri Giovanni , Jesus Sergio , Kebkal Konstantin , Kelholt Elbert , Pascoal Antonio , Polani Daniel , Pollini Lorenzo , Simetti Enrico , Turetta Alessio
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe Widely scalable Mobile Underwater Sonar Technology (WiMUST) project is an H2020 Research and Innovation Action funded by the European Commission. The project aims at developing a system of cooperative autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for geotechnical surveying
and geophysical exploration. The paper describes the main objectives of the project, gives an overview of the methodologies adopted to achieve them, and summarizes the work done in the first year of R&D work.
Advanced ROV Autonomy for Efficient Remote Control in the DexROV Project
Authors: Di Lillo Paolo Augusto , Simetti Enrico , De Palma Daniela , Cataldi Elisabetta , Indiveri Giovanni , Antonelli Gianluca , Casalino Giuseppe
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we present DexROV, an EC Horizon 2020-funded project that proposes to implement novel operation strategies for underwater semiautonomous interventions. These costly and demanding operations are increasingly performed by remotely operated vehicles (ROVs),
contributing to risk cutting for human divers. However, ROV operations require offshore structures, hosted on a support vessel with a crew of a significant amount of personnel necessary to properly handle and operate the robotic platform. One of the key goals of DexROV is to delocalize on
shore the manned support as much as possible, reducing the crew onboard the support vessel and consequently the costs and risks of the whole operation. The control center is located onshore, far from the actual operation location. Operators interact with the ROV through a simulation environment
that exploit 3D models of the environment built online relying on the perception and modeling capabilities of the robotic system and transmitted via satellite communication. Currently, ROVs lack the dexterous capabilities needed to perform many kinds of operations, for which human divers are
still necessary. DexROV addresses this problem, equipping the ROV with two 6 DOF (degrees of freedom) dexterous manipulators with anthropomorphic end-effectors and providing semiautonomous capabilities. The control will rely on a multitask priority approach that will help the operator to focus
on the main operation, leaving the low-level tasks to be autonomously performed by the ROV.
Influence of Extracellular RNAs, Released by Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts, on Their Adhesive and Invasive Properties
Authors: Zimmermann-Geller Birgit , Köppert Sina , Fischer Silvia , Cabrera-Fuentes Hector A. , Lefèvre Stephanie , Rickert Markus , Steinmeyer Jürgen , Rehart Stefan , Umscheid Thomas , Schönburg Markus , Müller-Ladner Ulf , Preissner Klaus T. , Frommer Klaus W. , Neumann Elena
Published: August 2016

Extracellular RNA (exRNA) has been characterized as a molecular alarm signal upon cellular stress or tissue injury and to exert biological functions as a proinflammatory, prothrombotic, and vessel permeability–regulating factor. In this study, we investigated the contribution of exRNA and its antagonist RNase1 in a chronic inflammatory joint disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Upon immunohistochemical inspection of RA, osteoarthritis (OA), and psoriatic arthritis synovium, exRNA was detectable only in the RA synovial lining layer, whereas extracellular DNA was detectable in various areas of synovial tissue. In vitro, exRNA (150–5000 nt) was released by RA synovial fibroblasts (RASF) under hypoxic conditions but not under normoxia or TNF-α treatment. RNase activity was increased in synovial fluid from RA and OA patients compared with psoriatic arthritis patients, whereas RNase activity of RASF and OASF cultures was not altered by hypoxia. Reduction of exRNA by RNase1 treatment decreased adhesion of RASF to cartilage, but it had no influence on their cell proliferation or adhesion to endothelial cells. In vivo, treatment with RNase1 reduced RASF invasion into coimplanted cartilage in the SCID mouse model of RA. We also analyzed the expression of neuropilins in synovial tissue and SF, as they may interact with vascular endothelial growth factor signaling and exRNA. The data support the concepts that the exRNA/RNase1 system participates in RA pathophysiology and that RASF are influenced by exRNA in a prodestructive manner.
Dendritic Cells Are Dispensable for T Cell Priming and Control of Acute Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection
Authors: Hilpert Cornelia , Sitte Selina , Matthies Alexander , Voehringer David
Published: August 2016

Dendritic cells (DCs) are considered to be the major APCs with potent activity for priming of naive CD4 and CD8 T cells. However, T cell priming can also be achieved by other APCs including macrophages, B cells, or even nonhematopoietic cell types. Systemic low-dose infection of mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) results in massive expansion of virus-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells. To determine the role of DCs as APCs and source of type I IFNs in this infection model, we used ΔDC mice in which DCs are constitutively ablated because of expression of the diphtheria toxin α subunit within developing DCs. ΔDC mice showed lower serum concentrations of IFN-β and IL-12p40, but normal IFN-α levels during the first days postinfection. No differences were found for proliferation of transferred TCR-transgenic cells during the early phase of infection, suggesting that T cell priming occurred with the same efficiency in wild-type and ΔDC mice. Expansion and cytokine expression of endogenous LCMV-specific T cells was comparable between wild-type and ΔDC mice during primary infection and upon rechallenge of memory mice. In both strains of infected mice the viral load was reduced below the limit of detection with the same kinetic. Further, germinal center formation and LCMV-specific Ab responses were not impaired in ΔDC mice. This indicates that DCs are dispensable as APCs for protective immunity against LCMV infection.
LANDFILL SITTING USING MCDM AND SPATIAL INFORMATION : A CASE STUDY IN TEHRAN METROPOLITAN
Authors: Abediniangerabi Bahram , Kamalirad Shirin
Published: August 2016

Managing Municipal Solid Waste in order to control waste materials in Tehran Metropolitan with a population of over 8.5 million persons and daily production of 7500 tons of trash seems an evitable necessity. Daily production of such amount of trash and accumulation of them in the southern part of Tehran (Kahrizak) due to lack of proper and standard methods of landfilling have caused severe problems by creating a latex lake of twelve hectares. Among these problems, penetration of infection and contamination to underground waters, causing excessive problems for soil and agricultural lands can be mentioned. In such conditions caused for Tehran, lack of solution finding for the issue would bring heavy outcomes for the Tehran Metropolitan in terms of environmental and economic issues. In this paper, efforts are taken to find a new place as a landfill by applying sustainable development approach. For this, in order to use the criteria propounded in sustainable development, multi-criteria decision making methods has been applied for weighing and spatial analysis has been used to combining them for indicating the most appropriate site. In this way, the new site would be selected by observance of sustainable development would be a place with the least environmental and social damages while being economically affordable.
Evaluation of the performance of image classification methods in the identification of vegetation
Authors: Schmidt Marcio Augusto Reolon , Bressiani Jaciane Xavier , Dos Reis Patrícia Antunes , Salla Marcio Ricardo
Published: August 2016

Orbital imaging techniques offer comprehensive coverage of different regions for numerous environmental and socioeconomic applications, revealing the spatial characteristics and land use of those regions. The advantages of remote sensing include its ability to record spatial distribution patterns, and spectral and temporal data over large regions. The objective of this research is to evaluate the performance of different multispectral image classification methods in the selection of general vegetation, based on a set of samples taken from a LandSat 8 image. The quality of multispectral images and their final classification is usually evaluated based on the Kappa index, which is used as the quality standard in many remote sensing software programs. The classification methods chosen for this study were Parallelepiped, Maximum Likelihood, Mahalanobis Distance, and neural networks. The most suitable classification was used as standard and the other images were compared with it to determine the degree of similarity ranking (IS1x), defined as the percentage of pixels classified differently from those of the standard image. The IS1x was determined using a Matlab routine involving pixel subtraction between images. The results indicate that probability distribution methods are more suitable for discriminating vegetation types than other methods, and that some band combinations should be chosen.
Two-dimensional computational simulation flow of exhaust gases passing inside an electrostatic precipitator
Authors: Kouropoulos Giorgos
Published: August 2016

In the present study the two-dimensional computational simulation flow of hot exhaust gases which are passed inside an electrostatic precipitator will be carried out. Initially, the theoretical background and necessary equations from fluid mechanics will be described. These equations will be used by software for flow simulation. Furthermore, are presented the design of precipitator through which the exhaust gases are passed. In the next step follows the declaration of various parameters of simulation on the software and finally the necessary images of the computational simulation for two case studies will be extracted. The general conclusions that arise are that the maximum flow velocity of exhaust gases prevails only at the beginning of the entrance of the precipitation element. There are different velocities in all other parts of precipitation element. When the exhaust gases approach the collecting electrodes within the element, their velocity is decreased.
Trading-off Constraints in the Pump Scheduling Optimization of Water Distribution Networks
Authors: Gencoglu Gencer , Merzi Nuri
Published: August 2016

Pumps are one of the essential components of water supply systems. Depending of the topography, a water supply system may completely rely on pumping. They may consume non-negligible amount of water authorities' budgets during operation. Besides their energy costs, maintaining the healthiness of pumping systems is another concern for authorities. This study represents a multi-objective optimization method for pump scheduling problem. The optimization objective contains hydraulic and operational constraints. Switching of pumps and usage of electricity tariff are assumed to be key factors for operational reliability and energy consumption and costs of pumping systems. The local optimals for systems operational reliability, energy consumptions and energy costs are investigated resulting from trading-off pump switch and electricity tariff constraints within given set of boundary conditions. In the study, a custom made program is employed that combines genetic algorithm based optimization module with hydraulic network simulation software -EPANET. Developed method is applied on the case study network; N8-3 pressure zone of the Northern Supply of Ankara (Turkey) Water Distribution Network. This work offers an efficient method for water authorities aiming to optimize pumping schedules considering expenditures and operational reliability mutually.
Tuberculosis-associated Fibrosing Mediastinitis: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Tan Ronald , Martires Joanne , Kamangar Nader
Published: August 2016

Fibrosing mediastinitis is a rare condition defined by the presence of fibrotic mediastinal infiltrates that obliterate normal fat planes. It is a late complication of a previous granulomatous infection, such as histoplasmosis or tuberculosis (TB). Due to its rarity, fibrosing mediastinitis is often under-recognized, and the clinical presentation is variable and dependent on the extent of infiltration or encasement of structures within the mediastinum. We present a case of fibrosing mediastinitis in a man with a prior history of TB, who presented with progressive dyspnea and was found to have chronic mediastinal soft tissue opacities and pulmonary hypertension. His diagnosis was delayed due to the lack of recognition of this clinical/radiographic entity. Fibrosing mediastinitis is a rare entity usually caused by granulomatous disease. Most cases develop as a late complication of histoplasmosis or TB. The presence of calcified mediastinal soft tissue infiltrates on advanced chest imaging can be diagnostic of fibrosing mediastinitis in patients with a prior history of a granulomatous infection once active processes such as malignancy are excluded.
Clustering, methodology, and mechanistic insights into acetate chemical
ionization using high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Brophy Patrick , Farmer Delphine K.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. We present a comprehensive characterization of cluster control and transmission through the Tofwerk atmospheric pressure interface installed on various chemical ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometers using authentic standards. This characterization of the atmospheric pressure interface allows for a detailed investigation of the acetate chemical ionization mechanisms and the impact of controlling these mechanisms on sensitivity, selectivity, and mass spectral ambiguity with the aim of non-targeted analysis. Chemical ionization with acetate reagent ions is controlled by a distribution of reagent ion-neutral clusters that vary with relative humidity and the concentration of the acetic anhydride precursor. Deprotonated carboxylic acids are primarily detected only if sufficient declustering is employed inside the atmospheric pressure interface. The configuration of a high-resolution time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometer (HR-TOF-CIMS) using an acetate chemical ionization source for non-targeted analysis is discussed. Recent approaches and studies characterizing acetate chemical ionization as it applies to the HR-TOF-CIMS are evaluated in light of the work presented herein.
Degradation of net primary production in a semiarid rangeland
Authors: Jackson Hasan , Prince Stephen D.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Anthropogenic land degradation affects many biogeophysical processes, including reductions of net primary production (NPP). Degradation occurs at scales from small fields to continental and global. While measurement and monitoring of NPP in small areas is routine in some studies, for scales larger than 1 km2, and certainly global, there is no regular monitoring and certainly no attempt to measure degradation. Quantitative and repeatable techniques to assess the extent of deleterious effects and monitor changes are needed to evaluate its effects on, for example, economic yields of primary products such as crops, lumber, and forage, and as a measure of land surface properties which are currently missing from dynamic global vegetation models, assessments of carbon sequestration, and land surface models of heat, water, and carbon exchanges. This study employed the local NPP scaling (LNS) approach to identify patterns of anthropogenic degradation of NPP in the Burdekin Dry Tropics (BDT) region of Queensland, Australia, from 2000 to 2013. The method starts with land classification based on the environmental factors presumed to control (NPP) to group pixels having similar potential NPP. Then, satellite remotely sensing data were used to compare actual NPP with its potential. The difference in units of mass of carbon and percentage loss were the measure of degradation. The entire BDT (7.45  ×  106 km2) was investigated at a spatial resolution of 250  ×  250 m. The average annual reduction in NPP due to anthropogenic land degradation in the entire BDT was −2.14 MgC m−2 yr−1, or 17 % of the non-degraded potential, and the total reduction was −214 MgC yr−1. Extreme average annual losses of 524.8 gC m−2 yr−1 were detected. Approximately 20 % of the BDT was classified as “degraded”. Varying severities and rates of degradation were found among the river basins, of which the Belyando and Suttor were highest. Interannual, negative trends in reductions of NPP occurred in 7 % of the entire region, indicating ongoing degradation. There was evidence of areas that were in a permanently degraded condition. The findings provide strong evidence and quantitative data for reductions in NPP related to anthropogenic land degradation in the BDT.
Hazard interactions and interaction networks (cascades) within multi-hazard
methodologies
Authors: Gill Joel C. , Malamud Bruce D.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. This paper combines research and commentary to reinforce the importance of integrating hazard interactions and interaction networks (cascades) into multi-hazard methodologies. We present a synthesis of the differences between multi-layer single-hazard approaches and multi-hazard approaches that integrate such interactions. This synthesis suggests that ignoring interactions between important environmental and anthropogenic processes could distort management priorities, increase vulnerability to other spatially relevant hazards or underestimate disaster risk. In this paper we proceed to present an enhanced multi-hazard framework through the following steps: (i) description and definition of three groups (natural hazards, anthropogenic processes and technological hazards/disasters) as relevant components of a multi-hazard environment, (ii) outlining of three types of interaction relationship (triggering, increased probability, and catalysis/impedance), and (iii) assessment of the importance of networks of interactions (cascades) through case study examples (based on the literature, field observations and semi-structured interviews). We further propose two visualisation frameworks to represent these networks of interactions: hazard interaction matrices and hazard/process flow diagrams. Our approach reinforces the importance of integrating interactions between different aspects of the Earth system, together with human activity, into enhanced multi-hazard methodologies. Multi-hazard approaches support the holistic assessment of hazard potential and consequently disaster risk. We conclude by describing three ways by which understanding networks of interactions contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of hazards, disaster risk reduction and Earth system management. Understanding interactions and interaction networks helps us to better (i) model the observed reality of disaster events, (ii) constrain potential changes in physical and social vulnerability between successive hazards, and (iii) prioritise resource allocation for mitigation and disaster risk reduction.