bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Indoor Collaborative Coefficient-Triangle APIT Localization Algorithm
Authors: Chen Su-Ting , Zhang Chuang , Li Peng , Zhang Yan-Yan , Jiao Liang-Bao
Published: November 2017

The Approximate Point-In-Triangulation (APIT) localization algorithm is a widely used indoor positioning technology due to its simplicity and low power consumption. However, in practice, In-to-Out misjudgments exist regularly in APIT, and a considerable amount of nodes cannot be positioned due to the low node density. To tackle this issue, a Collaborative Coefficient-triangle APIT Localization (CCAL) algorithm is proposed. Firstly, an effective triangle criterion is put forward to reduce the probability of In-to-Out misjudgment and reduce the computational complexity. Then, a further Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) location and weighted triangle coordinate calculation method is adopted to reduce the positioning error. Meanwhile, the idea of iterative collaborative positioning of the positioned unknown nodes is introduced to remarkably expand the localization coverage rate. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms APIT, RSSI, and other improved algorithms in terms of both node location error and localization coverage rate.
Pyrrolobenzodiazepine Antibody-Drug Conjugates Designed for Stable Thiol Conjugation
Authors: Christie R. , Tiberghien Arnaud , Du Qun , Bezabeh Binyam , Fleming Ryan , Shannon Amanda , Mao Shenlan , Breen Shannon , Zhang Jing , Zhong Haihong , Harper Jay , Wu Herren , Howard Philip , Gao Changshou
Published: November 2017

Thiosuccinimide-linked antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are susceptible to drug loss over time due to a retro-Michael reaction, which can be prevented by selecting stable conjugation positions or hydrolysis of the thiosuccinimide. Here, we investigate pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) ADC drug-linkers equipped with N-phenyl maleimide functionality for stable thiol conjugation via thiosuccinimide hydrolysis. Two PBD drug-linker formats (enzyme-cleavable and non-cleavable) were evaluated following site-specific conjugation to an engineered cysteine incorporated at position T289, which is known to be unstable for N-alkyl maleimide conjugates. N-phenyl maleimide PBDs conjugated to antibodies with similar efficiencies as N-alkyl maleimide PBDs and enhanced thiosuccinimide hydrolysis for N-phenyl maleimide PBDs was confirmed by mass spectrometry, capillary isoelectric focusing, and a SYPRO Orange dye binding assay. All of the PBD ADCs were highly potent in vitro regardless of maleimide- or linker-type, exhibiting low pM EC50 values. Thiol conjugation to N-phenyl maleimide PBD minimized the retro-Michael reaction in both rat and mouse serum. However, cleavage of the valine-alanine dipeptide in mouse serum for ADCs containing cleavable drug-linker led to drug loss regardless of maleimide type, which impacted ADC potency in tumor growth inhibition studies that were conducted in mouse models. Therapeutic improvement in mouse tumor models was realized for ADCs prepared with non-cleavable PBD drug-linkers that were conjugated through N-phenyl maleimide, where a stronger tumor growth inhibition (TGI) response was achieved when compared to the analogous N-alkyl maleimide drug-linker ADC. Altogether, our findings highlight the stability and efficacy benefits of N-phenyl maleimide functionality for ADCs that are produced with thiol-maleimide conjugation chemistry.
Genetic Algorithm-Based Optimization Methodology of Bézier Curves to Generate a DCI Microscale-Model
Authors: Basurto-Hurtado Jesus , Osornio-Rios Roque , Jaen-Cuellar Arturo , Dominguez-Gonzalez Aurelio , Morales-Hernandez L.
Published: November 2017

The aim of this article is to develop a methodology that is capable of generating micro-scale models of Ductile Cast Irons, which have the particular characteristic to preserve the smoothness of the graphite nodules contours that are lost by discretization errors when the contours are extracted using image processing. The proposed methodology uses image processing to extract the graphite nodule contours and a genetic algorithm-based optimization strategy to select the optimal degree of the Bézier curve that best approximate each graphite nodule contour. To validate the proposed methodology, a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was carried out using models that were obtained through three methods: (a) using a fixed Bézier degree for all of the graphite nodule contours, (b) the present methodology, and (c) using a commercial software. The results were compared using the relative error of the equivalent stresses computed by the FEA, where the proposed methodology results were used as a reference. The present paper does not have the aim to define which models are the correct and which are not. However, in this paper, it has been shown that the errors generated in the discretization process should not be ignored when developing geometric models since they can produce relative errors of up to 35.9% when an estimation of the mechanical behavior is carried out.
Infrared Spectroscopy as Molecular Probe of the Macroscopic Metal-Liquid Interface
Authors: Kiefer Johannes , Zetterberg Johan , Ehn Andreas , Evertsson Jonas , Harlow Gary , Lundgren Edvin
Published: November 2017

Metal-liquid interfaces are of the utmost importance in a number of scientific areas, including electrochemistry and catalysis. However, complicated analytical methods and sample preparation are usually required to study the interfacial phenomena. We propose an infrared spectroscopic approach that enables investigating the molecular interactions at the interface, but needing only minimal or no sample preparation. For this purpose, the internal reflection element (IRE) is wetted with a solution as first step. Second, a small plate of the metal of interest is put on top and pressed onto the IRE. The tiny amount of liquid that is remaining between the IRE and the metal is sufficient to produce an IR spectrum with good signal to noise ratio, from which information about molecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, can be deduced. Proof-of-concept experiments were carried out with aqueous salt and acid solutions and an aluminum plate.
Evaluation and Optimization of a Hybrid Manufacturing Process Combining Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing with Milling for the Fabrication of Stiffened Panels
Authors: Li Fang , Chen Shujun , Shi Junbiao , Tian Hongyu , Zhao Yun
Published: November 2017

This paper proposes a hybrid WAAM (wire arc additive manufacturing) and milling process (HWMP), and highlights its application in the fabrication of stiffened panels that have wide applications in aviation, aerospace, and automotive industries, etc. due to their light weight and strong load-bearing capability. In contrast to existing joining or machining methods, HWMP only deposits stiffeners layer-by-layer onto an existing thin plate, followed by minor milling of the irregular surfaces, which provides the possibility to significantly improve material utilization and efficiency without any loss of surface quality. In this paper, the key performances of HWMP in terms of surface quality, material utilization and efficiency are evaluated systematically, which are the results of the comprehensive effects of the deposition parameters (e.g., travel speed, wire-feed rate) and the milling parameters (e.g., spindle speed, tool-feed rate). In order to maximize its performances, the optimization is also performed to find the best combination of the deposition and the milling parameters. The case study shows that HWMP with the optimal process parameters improves the material utilization by 57% and the efficiency by 32% compared against the traditional machining method. Thus, HWMP is believed to be a more environmental friendly and sustainable method for the fabrication of stiffened panels or other similar structures.
Development of Highly Nano-Dispersed NiO/GDC Catalysts from Ion Exchange Resin Templates
Authors: Caravaca Angel , Picart Sebastien , Aouine Mimoun , Arab-Chapelet Benedicte , Vernoux Philippe , Delahaye Thibaud
Published: November 2017

Novel NiO/GDC (Gadolinium-doped Ceria) cermet catalysts were developed by the Weak Acid Resin (WAR) method using an ion exchange resin template. In addition, the specific surface area of these tunable materials was enhanced by NiO partial dissolution in aqueous acid solution. The whole procedure highly improved the micro-structural properties of these materials compared to previous studies. Catalysts with high metal loadings (≥10%), small Ni nanoparticles (<10 nm), and high specific surface areas (>70 m2/g) were achieved. These properties are promising for catalytic applications such as methane steam reforming for H2 production.
Synthesis, Structure and 1,3-Butadiene Polymerization Behavior of Vanadium(III) Phosphine Complexes
Authors: Leone Giuseppe , Zanchin Giorgia , Pierro Ivana , Sommazzi Anna , Forni Alessandra , Ricci Giovanni
Published: November 2017

A series of vanadium(III) complexes bearing monodentate tertiary phosphine ligands of the type VCl3(PRnPh3-n)2 (n = 0 (1a); n = 1 and R = Me (1b), Et (1c), iPr (1d), Cy (1e); n = 2 and R = Me (1f), Et (1g), Cy (1h)), and VCl3(PR3)2 (R = Cyp (2a), Cy (2b), nPr (2c), tBu (2d)) were synthesized and characterized. In the case of 1c, 1g and 2a single crystals were also obtained and their molecular structures were determined. All the complexes were used, in combination with methylaluminoxane (sMAO) or AlMe3–free MAO (dMAO), for the polymerization of 1,3-butadiene, exhibiting rather good activity and giving polymers with different microstructure depending on the nature of the phosphine ligand and the type of co-catalyst employed.
IPN Polysiloxane-Epoxy Resin for High Temperature Coatings: Structure Effects on Layer Performance after 450 °C Treatment
Authors: Giaveri Simone , Gronchi Paolo , Barzoni Alessandro
Published: November 2017

Coatings for high temperatures (HT > 400 °C) are obtained from interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) binders formed by simultaneous polymerization of silicone and epoxide pre-polymers. A ceramic layer; mainly composed of silica and fillers; remains on the metal surface after a thermal treatment at 450 °C. The layer adhesion and the inorganic filler’s distribution have been investigated by, firstly, exchanging the organic substituents (methyl and phenyl) of the silicone chains and, secondly, by adding conductive graphene nanoplatelets with the aim to assure a uniform distribution of heat during the thermal treatment. The results are evidence that different substituent ratios affect the polymer initial layout. The adhesion tests of paint formulations are analysed and were related to instrumental analyses performed using glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES); thermal analyses (TG/DTA and DSC); electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX). A greater resistance to powdering using phenyl groups instead of methyl ones; and an improved distribution of fillers due to graphene nanoplatelet addition; is evidenced.
Freeform Phononic Waveguides
Authors: Gkantzounis Georgios , Florescu Marian
Published: November 2017

We employ a recently introduced class of artificial structurally-disordered phononic structures that exhibit large and robust elastic frequency band gaps for efficient phonon guiding. Phononic crystals are periodic structures that prohibit the propagation of elastic waves through destructive interference and exhibit large band gaps and ballistic propagation of elastic waves in the permitted frequency ranges. In contrast, random-structured materials do not exhibit band gaps and favour localization or diffusive propagation. Here, we use structures with correlated disorder constructed from the so-called stealthy hyperuniform disordered point patterns, which can smoothly vary from completely random to periodic (full order) by adjusting a single parameter. Such amorphous-like structures exhibit large band gaps (comparable to the periodic ones), both ballistic-like and diffusive propagation of elastic waves, and a large number of localized modes near the band edges. The presence of large elastic band gaps allows the creation of waveguides in hyperuniform materials, and we analyse various waveguide architectures displaying nearly 100% transmission in the GHz regime. Such phononic-circuit architectures are expected to have a direct impact on integrated micro-electro-mechanical filters and modulators for wireless communications and acousto-optical sensing applications.
Development of a Multisensory Wearable System for Monitoring Cigarette Smoking Behavior in Free-Living Conditions
Authors: Imtiaz Masudul , Ramos-Garcia Raul , Senyurek Volkan , Tiffany Stephen , Sazonov Edward
Published: November 2017

This paper presents the development and validation of a novel multi-sensory wearable system (Personal Automatic Cigarette Tracker v2 or PACT2.0) for monitoring of cigarette smoking in free-living conditions. The contributions of the PACT2.0 system are: (1) the implementation of a complete sensor suite for monitoring of all major behavioral manifestations of cigarette smoking (lighting events, hand-to-mouth gestures, and smoke inhalations); (2) a miniaturization of the sensor hardware to enable its applicability in naturalistic settings; and (3) an introduction of new sensor modalities that may provide additional insight into smoking behavior e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS), pedometer and Electrocardiogram(ECG) or provide an easy-to-use alternative (e.g., bio-impedance respiration sensor) to traditional sensors. PACT2.0 consists of three custom-built devices: an instrumented lighter, a hand module, and a chest module. The instrumented lighter is capable of recording the time and duration of all lighting events. The hand module integrates Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and a Radio Frequency (RF) transmitter to track the hand-to-mouth gestures. The module also operates as a pedometer. The chest module monitors the breathing (smoke inhalation) patterns (inductive and bio-impedance respiratory sensors), cardiac activity (ECG sensor), chest movement (three-axis accelerometer), hand-to-mouth proximity (RF receiver), and captures the geo-position of the subject (GPS receiver). The accuracy of PACT2.0 sensors was evaluated in bench tests and laboratory experiments. Use of PACT2.0 for data collection in the community was validated in a 24 h study on 40 smokers. Of 943 h of recorded data, 98.6% of the data was found usable for computer analysis. The recorded information included 549 lighting events, 522/504 consumed cigarettes (from lighter data/self-registered data, respectively), 20,158/22,207 hand-to-mouth gestures (from hand IMU/proximity sensor, respectively) and 114,217/112,175 breaths (from the respiratory inductive plethysmograph (RIP)/bio-impedance sensor, respectively). The proposed system scored 8.3 ± 0.31 out of 10 on a post-study acceptability survey. The results suggest that PACT2.0 presents a reliable platform for studying of smoking behavior at the community level.
Evolution of Tandem Repeat Satellite Sequences in Two Closely Related Caenorhabditis Species. Diminution of Satellites in Hermaphrodites
Authors: Subirana Juan , Messeguer Xavier
Published: November 2017

The availability of the genome sequence of the unisexual (male-female) Caenorhabditis nigoni offers an opportunity to compare its non-coding features with the related hermaphroditic species Caenorhabditis briggsae; to understand the evolutionary dynamics of their tandem repeat sequences (satellites), as a result of evolution from the unisexual ancestor. We take advantage of the previously developed SATFIND program to build satellite families defined by a consensus sequence. The relative number of satellites (satellites/Mb) in C. nigoni is 24.6% larger than in C. briggsae. Some satellites in C. nigoni have developed from a proto-repeat present in the ancestor species and are conserved as an isolated sequence in C. briggsae. We also identify unique satellites which occur only once and joint satellite families with a related sequence in both species. Some of these families are only found in C. nigoni, which indicates a recent appearance; they contain conserved adjacent 5′ and 3′ regions, which may favor transposition. Our results show that the number, length and turnover of satellites are restricted in the hermaphrodite C. briggsae when compared with the unisexual C. nigoni. We hypothesize that this results from differences in unequal recombination during meiotic chromosome pairing, which limits satellite turnover in hermaphrodites.
Home Hemodialysis (HHD) Treatment as an Effective yet Underutilized Treatment Modality in the United States
Authors: Hajj Jihane , Laudanski Krzysztof
Published: November 2017

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a major health burden and its incidence has been increasing yearly reaching 120,000 cases in 2014. Home hemodialysis (HHD) is a treatment modality option that has been shown to contribute to numerous clinical benefits but is largely underutilized due to many contributing factors. The purpose of this review paper is to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of HHD and the reasons for its low utilization with a special focus on its socioeconomic impact as compared to facility hemodialysis. Key factors contributing to HHD underutilization are related to the reimbursement system of the facility and nephrologists as well as the underutilization of the pre-dialysis educational benefit. Based on this comprehensive review of the literature, we propose several suggestions which may contribute to the expansion of HHD treatment modality.
Analysis of Vaneless Diffuser Stall Instability in a Centrifugal Compressor
Authors: Sundström Elias , Mihăescu Mihai , Giachi Marco , Belardini Elisabetta , Michelassi Vittorio
Published: November 2017

Numerical simulations based on the large eddy simulation approach were conducted with the aim to explore vaneless diffuser rotating stall instability in a centrifugal compressor. The effect of the impeller blade passage was included as an inlet boundary condition with sufficiently low flow angle relative to the tangent to provoke the instability and cause circulation in the diffuser core flow. Flow quantities, velocity and pressure, were extracted to accumulate statistics for calculating mean velocity and mean Reynolds stresses in the wall-to-wall direction. The paper focuses on the assessment of the complex response of the system to the velocity perturbations imposed, the resulting pressure gradient and flow curvature effects.
Intelligent Decision Support in Proportional–Stop-Loss Reinsurance Using Multiple Attribute Decision-Making (MADM)
Authors: Wang Shirley , Poh Kim
Published: November 2017

This article addresses the possibility of incorporating intelligent decision support systems into reinsurance decision-making. This involves the insurance company and the reinsurance company, and is negotiated through reinsurance intermediaries. The article proposes a decision flow to model the reinsurance design and selection process. This article focuses on adopting more than one optimality criteria under a more generic combinational design of commonly used reinsurance products, i.e., proportional reinsurance and stop-loss reinsurance. In terms of methodology, the significant contribution of the study the incorporation of the well-established decision analysis tool multiple-attribute decision-making (MADM) into the modelling of reinsurance selection. To illustrate the feasibility of incorporating intelligent decision supporting systems in the reinsurance market, the study includes a numerical case study using the simulation software @Risk in modeling insurance claims, as well as programming in MATLAB to realize MADM. A list of managerial implications could be drawn from the case study results. Most importantly, when choosing the most appropriate type of reinsurance, insurance companies should base their decisions on multiple measurements instead of single-criteria decision-making models so that their decisions may be more robust.
Preparation of Al/Fe-Pillared Clays: Effect of the Starting Mineral
Authors: Muñoz Helir-Joseph , Blanco Carolina , Gil Antonio , Vicente Miguel-Ángel , Galeano Luis-Alejandro
Published: November 2017

Four natural clays were modified with mixed polyoxocations of Al/Fe for evaluating the effect of the physicochemical properties of the starting materials (chemical composition, abundance of expandable clay phases, cationic exchange capacity and textural properties) on final physicochemical and catalytic properties of Al/Fe-PILCs. The aluminosilicate denoted C2 exhibited the highest potential as starting material in the preparation of Al/Fe-PILC catalysts, mainly due to its starting cationic exchange capacity (192 meq/100 g) and the dioctahedral nature of the smectite phase. These characteristics favored the intercalation of the mixed (Al13−x/Fex)7+ Keggin-type polyoxocations, stabilizing a basal spacing of 17.4 Å and high increase of the BET surface (194 m2/g), mainly represented in microporous content. According to H2-TPR analyses, catalytic performance of the incorporated Fe in the Catalytic Wet Peroxide Oxidation (CWPO) reaction strongly depends on the level of location in mixed Al/Fe pillars. Altogether, such physicochemical characteristics promoted high performance in CWPO catalytic degradation of methyl orange in aqueous medium at very mild reaction temperatures (25.0 ± 1.0 °C) and pressure (76 kPa), achieving TOC removal of 52% and 70% of azo-dye decolourization in only 75 min of reaction under very low concentration of clay catalyst (0.05 g/L).
Harvesting a 3D N-Doped Carbon Network from Waste Bean Dregs by Ionothermal Carbonization as an Electrocatalyst for an Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Chen Yimai , Wang Hui , Ji Shan , Lv Weizhong , Wang Rongfang
Published: November 2017

Three-dimensional nitrogen-doped carbon (3D-NCN) has been synthesized via the ionothermal carbonization method using waste soybean dregs (SD) as the precursor. N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms show that the as-prepared 3D-NCN formed a hierarchically porous structure with a specific BET surface area of 1093.4 m2 g−1 and a total pore volume of 1.77 cm3 g−1. The TEM images clearly show that graphene-like carbon sheets were formed on the edge of the networks. The characterization of the samples collected at different temperature indicated that salt melt plays the key role in the formation of the network structure and rich pores. When 3D-NCN is as electrocatalyst for ORR, it shows an onset potential of 0.945 V with a more positive half-wave potential (0.846 V), which is comparable to that of commercial Pt/C. In addition, the long-term cycle results show that the onset potential and half-wave potential only negatively shifted by 6 mV and 8 mV after 10,000 cycles respectively, which are smaller than those values of commercial Pt/C. Due to its high ORR activity, durability, and low-cost, producing 3D-NCN from SD in molten salt medium provides a promising approach to replace the Pt-based catalysts for use in fuel cells.
Early Gabapentin Treatment during the Latency Period Increases Convulsive Threshold, Reduces Microglial Activation and Macrophage Infiltration in the Lithium-Pilocarpine Model of Epilepsy
Authors: Rossi Alicia , Murta Veronica , Auzmendi Jerónimo , Ramos Alberto
Published: November 2017

The lithium-pilocarpine model of epilepsy reproduces several features of temporal lobe epilepsy in humans, including the chronological timeline of an initial latency period followed by the development of spontaneous seizures. Epilepsy therapies in humans are implemented, as a rule, after the onset of the spontaneous seizures. We here studied the potential effect on epileptogenesis of starting an early treatment during the latency period, in order to prevent the development of spontaneous seizures. Adult male Wistar rats were treated with 3 mEq/kg LiCl, and 20 h later 30 mg/kg pilocarpine. Once status epilepticus (SE) was achieved, it was allowed to last for 20 min, and then motor seizures were controlled with the administration of 20 mg/kg diazepam. At 1DPSE (DPSE, days post-status epilepticus), animals started to receive 400 mg/kg/day gabapentin or saline for 4 days. At 5DPSE, we observed that SE induced an early profuse microglial and astroglial reactivity, increased synaptogenic trombospondin-1 expression and reduced AQP4 expression in astroglial ending feet. Blood brain barrier (BBB) integrity seemed to be compromised, as infiltrating NG2+ macrophages and facilitated access to the CNS was observed by transplanting eGFP+ blood cells and bone marrow-derived progenitors in the SE animals. The early 4-day gabapentin treatment successfully reduced microglial cell reactivity and blood-borne cell infiltration, without significantly altering the mRNA of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNFα immediately after the treatment. After 21DSPE, another group of animals that developed SE and received 4 days of gabapentin treatment, were re-exposed to subconvulsive accumulative doses of pilocarpine (10 mg/kg/30 min) and were followed by recording the Racine scale reached. Early 4-day gabapentin treatment reduced the Racine scale reached by the animals, reduced animal mortality, and reduced the number of animals that achieved SE (34% vs. 72%). We conclude that early gabapentin treatment following SE, during the latency period, is able to reduce neuroinflammation and produces a persistent effect that limits seizures and increases convulsive threshold, probably by restricting microglial reactivity and spurious synaptogenesis.
Effect of (Cd:Zn)S Particle Concentration and Photoexcitation on the Electrical and Ferroelectric Properties of (Cd:Zn)S/P(VDF-TrFE) Composite Films
Authors: Engel Sebastian , Smykalla David , Ploss Bernd , Gräf Stephan , Müller Frank
Published: November 2017

The influence of semiconductor particle concentration and photoexcitation on the electrical and ferroelectric properties of ferroelectric-semiconductor-composites was investigated. For this purpose, 32 µm thin films of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) with (Cd:Zn)S particle concentrations of between 0 and 20 vol % were fabricated and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and optical spectroscopy. It was shown that the particle concentration has only a negligible influence on the molecular structure of the polymer but strongly determines the optical properties of the composite. For (Cd:Zn)S particle concentrations below 20 vol %, the I-V characteristics of the composites is only marginally affected by the particle concentration and the optical excitation of the composite material. On the contrary, a strong influence of both parameters on the ferro- and pyroelectric properties of the composite films was observed. For particle fractions that exhibit ferroelectric hysteresis, an increased remanent polarization and pyroelectric coefficient due to optical excitation was obtained. A theoretical approach that is based on a “three phase model” of the internal structure was developed to explain the observed results.
Welcome to the New Open Access Reports
Authors: Hattori Toshio
Published: November 2017

With sincere satisfaction and pride, I present to you the new Journal, Reports, for which I am pleased to serve as Editor-in-Chief [...]
Monitoring of Forest Structure Dynamics by Means of L-Band SAR Tomography
Authors: Cazcarra-Bes Victor , Tello-Alonso Maria , Fischer Rico , Heym Michael , Papathanassiou Konstantinos
Published: November 2017

Synthetic Aperture Radar Tomography (TomoSAR) allows the reconstruction of the 3D reflectivity of natural volume scatterers such as forests, thus providing an opportunity to infer structure information in 3D. In this paper, the potential of TomoSAR data at L-band to monitor temporal variations of forest structure is addressed using simulated and experimental datasets. First, 3D reflectivity profiles were extracted by means of TomoSAR reconstruction based on a Compressive Sensing (CS) approach. Next, two complementary indices for the description of horizontal and vertical forest structure were defined and estimated by means of the distribution of local maxima of the reconstructed reflectivity profiles. To assess the sensitivity and consistency of the proposed methodology, variations of these indices for different types of forest changes in simulated as well as in real scenarios were analyzed and assessed against different sources of reference data: airborne Lidar measurements, high resolution optical images, and forest inventory data. The forest structure maps obtained indicated the potential to distinguish between different forest stages and the identification of different types of forest structure changes induced by logging, natural disturbance, or forest management.
Investigation of Water Temperature Variations and Sensitivities in a Large Floodplain Lake System (Poyang Lake, China) Using a Hydrodynamic Model
Authors: Li Yunliang , Zhang Qi , Zhang Li , Tan Zhiqiang , Yao Jing
Published: November 2017

Although changes in water temperature influence the rates of many ecosystem processes in lakes, knowledge of the water temperature regime for large floodplain lake systems subjected to multiple stressors has received little attention. The coupled models can serve to derive more knowledge on the water temperature impact on lake ecosystems. For this purpose, we used a physically-based hydrodynamic model coupled with a transport model to examine the spatial and temporal behavior and primary causal factors of water temperature within the floodplain of Poyang Lake that is representative of shallow and large lakes in China. Model performance is assessed through comparison with field observations and remote sensing data. The daily water temperature variations within Poyang Lake were reproduced reasonably well by the hydrodynamic model, with the root mean square errors of 1.5–1.9 °C. The modeling results indicate that the water temperature exhibits distinct spatial and temporal variability. The mean seasonal water temperatures vary substantially from 29.1 °C in summer to 7.7 °C in winter, with the highest value in August and the lowest value in January. Although the degree of spatial variability differed considerably between seasons, the water temperature generally decreases from the shallow floodplains to the main flow channels of the lake. As expected, the lake water temperature is primarily affected by the air temperature, solar radiation, wind speed and the inflow temperature, whereas other factors such as cloud cover, relative humidity, precipitation, evaporation and lake topography may play a complementary role in influencing temperature. The current work presents a first attempt to use a coupled model approach, which is therefore a useful tool to investigate the water temperature behavior and its major causal factors for a large floodplain lake system. It would have implications for improving the understanding of Poyang Lake water temperature and supporting planning and management of the lake, its water quality and ecosystem functioning.
Reducing Carbon Emissions in a Closed-Loop Production Routing Problem with Simultaneous Pickups and Deliveries under Carbon Cap-and-Trade
Authors: Fang Xuanjing , Du Yanan , Qiu Yuzhuo
Published: November 2017

The incorporation of reverse logistics into production routing problems can promote and coordinate the implementation of sustainable development for supply chains. This study aims to incorporate reverse logistics into production routing problems and investigate the reduction of carbon emissions under carbon cap-and-trade. Mixed-integer programming models are proposed for the production routing problem with reverse logistics by considering simultaneous pickups and deliveries in vehicle routing subproblems. To solve this problem, we propose a solution method of a branch-and-cut guided search algorithm based on adaptation of known valid inequalities. Computational results highlight the trade-offs among various performance indicators, including emission levels and operational costs of production, inventory holding, fuel consumption, and drivers.
Detection of Abrin Holotoxin Using Novel Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: He Xiaohua , Patfield Stephanie , Cheng Luisa , Stanker Larry , Rasooly Reuven , McKeon Thomas , Zhang Yuzhu , Brandon David
Published: November 2017

Abrin, a member of the ribosome-inactivating protein family, is produced by the Abrus precatorius plant. Having the potential to pose a severe threat to both human and animal health, abrin is classified as a Select Agent by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. However, an immunoassay that is specific for intact abrin holotoxin has not yet been reported. In this study, seven new monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), designated as Abrin-1 through Abrin-7 have been developed. Isotyping analyses indicate these mAbs have IgG1, IgG2a, or IgG2b heavy-chains and kappa light-chains. Western blot analyses identified two abrin A-chain specific mAbs, Abrin-1 and Abrin-2, and four B-chain specific mAbs (Abrin-3, -5, -6, and -7). A sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), capable of detecting a mixture of abrin isoforms and agglutinins was developed using B-chain specific Abrin-3 for capture and A-chain specific Abrin-2 as detector. The ELISA is highly sensitive and detects 1 ng/mL of the abrin holotoxin in phosphate-buffered saline, nonfat milk, and whole milk, significantly below concentrations that would pose a health concern for consumers. This ELISA also detects native abrin in plant extracts with a very low background signal. The new abrin mAbs and ELISA should be useful for detecting this potent toxin in the milk supply chain and other complex matrices.
Urban Flood Simulation Using Synthetic Storm Drain Networks
Authors: Bertsch Robert , Glenis Vassilis , Kilsby Chris
Published: November 2017

Recent developments in urban drainage modelling allow for a more realistic coupling of the two-dimensional (2D) surface and one-dimensional (1D) sub-surface drainage domain exchanging water through storm drain inlets instead of a sub-catchment approach based on manholes. Experience has shown, however, that comprehensive records of storm drain inlet locations are often missing or incomplete, preventing users accessing the full benefit of these modelling capabilities. Therefore, this study developed a GIS routine to generate synthetic storm drain inlet locations for the purpose of urban flood modelling. Hydrodynamic model results for a synthetically generated and surveyed storm drain inlet network were obtained using the CityCAT 1D/2D system. On a catchment scale the flow field (surface and flow captured by inlets) simulated by the network of synthetic storm drainage inlets shows satisfactory results when compared with that simulated using the actual network. The results also highlight the sensitivity of the inflows to relatively small changes in terms of the location of storm drain inlets and the effectiveness of storm drain inlets in ponding areas.
Performance Evaluation of Teams in Chinese Professional Baseball League
Authors: Yeh Shao-Wei , Chen Mei-Jung , Chuang Cheng-Tien , Lin Wen-Bin
Published: November 2017

In this article, a performance evaluation of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) was conducted from a human resources (HR) perspective. Two important aspects were included: (1) a comprehensive evaluation of the competition performance of the professional baseball teams in international games and regular season games; and (2) the data envelopment analysis (DEA) and “two-stage” methodologies, which were employed to process truncated data to resolve the factors that affect the efficiency of the decision-making unit (DMU). By applying DEA and truncated regression analysis with bootstrapping, the performances of CPBL teams in games of different intensities were investigated. The number of foreign coaches and native players both were the key factors to affect the competitive efficiency of CPBL teams, and the Uni President 7-ELEVEN Lions had the best performance efficiency team. This interdisciplinary investigation provided the most appropriate references and recommendations for professional baseball teams on HR management so that baseball fans' expectations are met.
Additive Language Pedagogy
Authors: Holmen Anne
Published: November 2017

One of the strongholds of the philosophy of education in Danish primary schools is to build learning activities on students´ resources and knowledge base. This calls for a differentiated approach to learning in classrooms characterized by increased linguistic and cultural diversity. However, for students with language minority background this general principle is often superseded by a focus on homogenization and silencing of diversity. This article is based on Cummins´ distinction between additive and subtractive bilingualism, and it introduces the concept of additive language pedagogy and discusses how this can be developed as part of the teachers´ instructional practices in plurilingual settings.
1997-2017
Authors: Candelier Michel , Kervran Martine
Published: November 2017

The project Developing the Language Awareness Approach in the Nordic and Baltic Countries (DELA-NOBA) is inscribed within the development of research about 'Awakening to languages' (AtL). Twenty years have elapsed between the founding Evlang program and DELA-NOBA results. The aim of this article is to cast light on those years. In this paper, the authors analyse the historical development of research projects which led to the present implementation of 'pluralistic approaches' within European educational systems. The contribution will also refer to the dissemination and integration of AtL into curricula and content-based teaching in various European contexts.
Distribution Network Reconfiguration Using SPEA2 for Power Loss Minimization and Reliability Improvement
Authors: Ben Hamida Imen , Salah Saoussen Brini , Msahli Faouzi , Mimouni Mohamed Faouzi
Published: November 2017

This article presents an original method based on Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm 2 (SPEA2) to solve the multi-objective reconfiguration problem of minimizing active power loss and improving power system reliability. The proposed evolutionary method is based on the Pareto optimality concept to equally optimize multiple objective functions providing a set of optimal solutions (Pareto front), where the network manager can select an option. An original combination of evolutionary computation and spanning trees theories is put forward to ensure an efficient convergence of solutions without violating technical and topological constraints. The simulations were carried out in a standard IEEE 33 bus test system. The obtained results prove the capability of the proposed method to converge to the best minimum values of objective functions using a very small population size. Furthermore, the comparisons with other methods in the literature show the robustness and promptness of the suggested method.
A Comparative Study on Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques of Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Badis Afef , Boujmil Mohamed Habib , Mansouri Mohamed Nejib
Published: November 2017

This article concerns maximizing the energy reproduced from the photovoltaic (PV) system, ensured by using an efficient Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) process. The process should be fast, rigorous and simple for implementation because the PV characteristics are extremely affected by fast changing conditions and Partial Shading (PS). PV systems are popularly known to have many peaks (one Global Peak (GP) and several local peaks). Therefore, the MPPT algorithm should be able to accurately detect the unique GP as the maximum power point (MPP), and avoid any other peak to mitigate the effect of (PS). Usually, with no shading, nearly all the conventional methods can easily reach the MPP with high efficiency. Nonetheless, they fail to extract the GP when PS occurs. To overcome this problem, Evolutionary Algorithms (AEs), namely the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) are simulated and compared to the conventional methods (Perturb & Observe) under the same software.
Using Chemotherapy Science Algorithm (CSA) to Solve the Knapsack Problem
Authors: Salmani Mohammad Hassan , Eshghi Kourosh
Published: November 2017

Optimization, which, by definition, can help one find the best solution from all feasible solutions, has sometimes been an interesting and important area for research in science. Solving real and hard optimization problems calls for developing approximate, heuristic, and meta-heuristic algorithms. In this article, a new meta-heuristic algorithm is proposed on the basis of the chemotherapy method to cure cancers – this algorithm mainly searches the infeasible region. As in chemotherapy, this algorithm tries to kill unsatisfactory (especially infeasible) solutions (cancers cells); however, collateral damage is sometimes inevitable – some healthy, innocuous, and good cells might be targeted as well. Also, different conceptual terms including Cell Size, Cell Position, Cell Area, and Random Cells are presented and defined in this article. Furthermore, Chemotherapy Science Algorithm (CSA) and its structure are tested based on benchmark Knapsack Problem. Reported results show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Ontology-Based Human-Computer Cloud for Decision Support
Authors: Smirnov Alexander , Ponomarev Andrew , Shilov Nikolay , Kashevnik Alexey , Teslya Nikolay
Published: November 2017

A variety of information processing and decision support tasks (especially in the context of smart city or smart tourist destination) rely both on the automated and human-based procedures. The article proposes a multi-layer cloud environment that, first, unifies various kinds of resources used by these information processing and decision-support scenarios (hardware, software, and human), and second, implements an ontology-based automatic service composition procedures that can be used to build ad hoc decision-support services for problems unknown in advance. The service composition is based on uniform description of all parts of the environment with a help of ontologies. The article describes the architecture and models of the novel human-computer cloud environment. It also describes several scenarios of decision support in tourism leveraging the proposed human-computer cloud concept.
Parallel Access Control Model in Cross-Domain Grid Computing Environment
Authors: Namane Sarra , Ghoualmi Nassira
Published: November 2017

Despite the various attractive features that grid computing has to offer, it has many great security challenges, such as access control. With the expansion of the network scale, a large number of authorization requests have to be treated; on the other hand, the multi-domain nature of grid computing generates difficult to manage questions about cross-domain access control, and a variety of solutions use the role mapping mechanism to allow collaborations between domains. But this mechanism gives a potential risk of violating consistency properties of domains. This article aims to address this issue and proposes a parallel access control model in cross-domain grid computing architecture to be more convenient to the security requirements of the multi-domain environment. Finally, as a proof of concept, the authors implement a cross-domain and parallel authorization simulator (CD-PAS) where experiments are done. The obtained results show that the proposed model is sensitive to the number of authorization requests. In addition, it can effectively reduce the execution time of access control mechanism.
A Review of the Scopes and Challenges of the Modern Real-Time Operating Systems
Authors: Shukla Amit K. , Sharma Rachit , Muhuri Pranab K.
Published: November 2017

A real-time operating system (RTOS) is an integral part of a real-time embedded system (RTES). Most of the RTESs work on dynamic environments, and hence, the computational cost of tasks cannot be calculated in advance. Thus, RTOSs play a significant role in the smooth operations of the RTES through efficient task scheduling schemes and resource managements. This article investigates the existing design challenges and scope of the modern RTOSs. A wide variety of latest RTOSs are discussed and elaborated in detail. A comparative study with their prospects has been explained so that interested readers can use the article as a readily available starting point for their further studies on this topic.
Operation Refinement in Trusted Component Based on OR-Transition Colored Petri Net
Authors: Zhao Na , Xu Jin , Yang Xiucheng , Xie Zhongwen , Yu Yong , Wang Jian
Published: November 2017

The development and evolution of trusted software is the focus of attention in the fields of trusted software and software engineering at home and abroad. In view of its complexity and diversity, this article proceeds with component, which is the basic element of software architecture, and discusses the refinement of trusted component. Refine one of the operations and its local environment using OR-transition colored Petri net to achieve the purpose of gradual refinement.
Research on Application of Wireless Bridge Technology in the Smart Grid
Authors: Ying Zou , Si-ning Wang , Chang-yu Du , Yuan-kun Jiang
Published: November 2017

The construction of smart grid, in the meet of communication network core layer must have the strong bearing capacity and the strong network frame, also requires the access layer have the wide variety and flexible edge access ability. In this article, in accordance with the technical features of the smart grid communication network, combined with the Global Energy Interconnection to the requirement of all kinds of communication. The wireless bridge system based on the IEEE 802.11 series protocol as flexible edge access is applied to the smart grid communications, to forward the power wireless bridge structure design and the bridge monitoring management platform design and safety protection design. The use of a wireless bridge will increase the transmission quality of signal, distance and the safety of the transmission. In this article, the wireless bridge in the application of the smart grid electric power communication network has a role in promoting, has a guiding significance to the construction of the smart grid communication.
Study on the Influence Factors of Tobacco Market Demand and Efficiency Evaluation
Authors: Li Lei , Zhang Qin , Zhan Xueli
Published: November 2017

A number of studies have shown that many factors influence the development of the tobacco companies. This article analyzes the market demand of the Chinese tobacco and efficiency evaluation about Yantai Tobacco Company in order to improve customer satisfaction, repeating purchase intention and the company's innovation ability. We collected data through Multi-stage stratified cluster sampling. Through analysis of the data, we find that different social classes have different sensitivities to tobacco price. In the structural equation model, the brand image has a significant impact on the model, based on which we make some suggestions for the enterprise. Furthermore, IAHP method is used to evaluate the importance of the innovative elements in tobacco industry development. We can easily see that technology professionals have a direct impact on the innovation ability, with a significant impact on innovation efficiency.
Food Security Policy Analysis Using System Dynamics
Authors: Guma Isdore Paterson , Rwashana Agnes Semwanga , Oyo Benedict
Published: November 2017

Food security (FS) challenges exist in both the developed and the developing countries, the difference being the severity and the proportion of the population affected. Previous studies maintain that chronic food insecurity at subsistence farming level has persisted due to a number of factors including unsustainable subsistence agriculture and livelihood policies, lack of inputs, poor conservation methods, weak extension services, unregulated markets, limited land among others. This article investigates FS challenges at subsistence farming level using system dynamics tools. The emerging system dynamics model is conceptualised into four sectors; food production, sales, income and food consumption, representing a real-life food security system. The model is used to evaluate policies for better livelihoods as well as explore strategies for profitable subsistence farming and food security.