bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refining Approaches in the Platinum Group Metal Processing Value Chain—A Review
Authors: Sinisalo Pia , Lundström Mari
Published: March 2018

Mineable platinum group metal (PGM) deposits are rare and found in relatively few areas of the world. At the same time, the use of PGM is predicted to expand in green technology and energy applications, and PGMs are consequently currently listed as European Union critical metals. Increased mineralogical complexity, lower grade ores, and recent PGM production expansions give rise to the evaluation of the value chain of the capital-intensive conventional matte smelting treatment and other processing possibilities of the ore. This article will review the processes and value chain developed to treat ores for PGM recovery, highlighting hydrometallurgical refining approaches. It groups processes according to their rationale and discusses the special features of each group.
The Sierra de Cacheuta Vein-Type Se Mineralization, Mendoza Province, Argentina
Authors: Grundmann Günter , Förster Hans-Jürgen
Published: March 2018

The Sierra de Cacheuta vein-type Se mineralization in the Mendoza Province predominantly consists of clausthalite, klockmannite, eskebornite, eucairite, and naumannite. These primary selenides formed in a fault zone, cutting through fine-grained trachytic host rock. Cross-sections perpendicular to the veinlets, polarized light microscopy, and scanning-electron microscopy, combined with electron-microprobe analysis, provide a record of the relationship between different crystallization and deformation events. Mineralization encompasses four episodes of fault formation (d1–d4): early zonal selenide crystallization (stage (I)); ductile deformation of the selenides (stage (II)); fault re-opening, fluid-mediated metal mobilization, metalliferous-fluid infiltration, and mineral precipitation (stage (III)); and subsequent alteration (stage (IV)). The Se vein originated from multiple injections of highly oxidized, metal-rich fluids. These low-T solutions (estimated max. temperature 100 °C, max. pressure 1 bar) possessed high to exceptionally high Se fugacities (log fSe2 between −14.5 and −11.2) that prevailed for most of the evolution of the deposit. The source of the Se and the accompanying metals (Cu, Ag, Pb, and Fe) is probably the neighboring bituminous shale. The deposition of Se minerals occurred when the oxidized metal-bearing solutions came in contact with a reductant, which caused the reduction of mobile selenate to immobile selenide or elemental Se. We identified several features that permit us to safely distinguish samples from Cacheuta from Argentinian Se deposits in the Province of La Rioja: (I) trachytic host rock fragments containing bitumen and TiO2 pseudomorphs after titanomagnetite; (II) early Co-rich and Ni-poor krut’aite (Co < 6.7 wt %, Ni < 1.2 wt %) partly replaced by clausthalite, umangite, klockmannite, eskebornite, Ni-poor tyrrellite (Ni < 2.7 wt %), Ni-poor trogtalite (Ni < 1.2 wt %), and end-member krut’aite and petříčekite; (III) lack of calcite gangue; and (VI) Se-bearing alteration minerals comprising chalcomenite, molybdomenite, cobaltomenite, an unnamed Cu selenide (for which the ideal formula may be either Cu2Se3 or Cu5Se8), and possibly mandarinoite, mereheadite, orlandiite, and scotlandite as new species for this occurrence.
Effects of Limited Hydrolysis and High-Pressure Homogenization on Functional Properties of Oyster Protein Isolates
Authors: Yu Cuiping , Cha Yue , Wu Fan , Xu Xianbing , Du Ming
Published: March 2018

In this study, the effects of limited hydrolysis and/or high-pressure homogenization (HPH) treatment in acid conditions on the functional properties of oyster protein isolates (OPI) were studied. Protein solubility, surface hydrophobicity, particle size distribution, zeta potential, foaming, and emulsifying properties were evaluated. The results showed that acid treatment led to the dissociation and unfolding of OPI. Subsequent treatment such as limited proteolysis, HPH, and their combination remarkably improved the functional properties of OPI. Acid treatment produced flexible aggregates, as well as reduced particle size and solubility. On the contrary, limited hydrolysis increased the solubility of OPI. Furthermore, HPH enhanced the effectiveness of the above treatments. The emulsifying and foaming properties of acid- or hydrolysis-treated OPI significantly improved. In conclusion, a combination of acid treatment, limited proteolysis, and HPH improved the functional properties of OPI. The improvements in the functional properties of OPI could potentiate the use of oyster protein and its hydrolysates in the food industry.
The Role of Inflation-Indexed Bond in Optimal Management of Defined Contribution Pension Plan During the Decumulation Phase
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyi , Guo Junyi
Published: March 2018

This paper investigates the optimal investment strategy for a defined contribution (DC) pension plan during the decumulation phase which is risk-averse and pays close attention to inflation risk. The plan aims to maximize the expected constant relative risk aversion (CRRA) utility from the terminal real wealth by investing the fund in a financial market consisting of an inflation-indexed bond, an ordinary zero coupon bond and a risk-free asset. We derive the optimal investment strategy in closed-form using the dynamic programming approach by solving the related Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation. The results reveal that, with any level of the parameters, an inflation-indexed bond has significant advantage to hedge inflation risk.
Improving the Remote Sensing Retrieval of Phytoplankton Functional Types (PFT) Using Empirical Orthogonal Functions: A Case Study in a Coastal Upwelling Region
Authors: Correa-Ramirez Marco , Morales Carmen , Letelier Ricardo , Anabalón Valeria , Hormazabal Samuel
Published: March 2018

An approach that improves the spectral-based PHYSAT method for identifying phytoplankton functional types (PFT) in satellite ocean-color imagery is developed and applied to one study case. This new approach, called PHYSTWO, relies on the assumption that the dominant effect of chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) in the normalized water-leaving radiance (nLw) spectrum can be effectively isolated from the signal of accessory pigment biomarkers of different PFT by using Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) decomposition. PHYSTWO operates in the dimensionless plane composed by the first two EOF modes generated through the decomposition of a space–nLw matrix at seven wavelengths (412, 443, 469, 488, 531, 547, and 555 nm). PFT determination is performed using orthogonal models derived from the acceptable ranges of anomalies proposed by PHYSAT but adjusted with the available regional and global data. In applying PHYSTWO to study phytoplankton community structures in the coastal upwelling system off central Chile, we find that this method increases the accuracy of PFT identification, extends the application of this tool to waters with high Chl-a concentration, and significantly decreases (~60%) the undetermined retrievals when compared with PHYSAT. The improved accuracy of PHYSTWO and its applicability for the identification of new PFT are discussed.
Comparison between Modelled and Measured Magnetic Field Scans of Different Planar Coil Topologies for Stress Sensor Applications
Authors: Gibbs Robert , Moreton Gregory , Meydan Turgut , Williams Paul
Published: March 2018

The investigation of planar coils of differing topologies, when combined with a magnetostrictive amorphous ribbon to form a stress-sensitive self-inductor, is an active research area for applications as stress or pressure sensors. Four topologies of planar coil (Circular, Mesh, Meander, and Square) have been constructed using copper track on 30 mm wide PCB substrate. The coils are energized to draw 0.4 A and the resulting magnetic field distribution is observed with a newly developed three-dimensional magnetic field scanner. The system is based on a variably angled Micromagnetics® STJ-020 tunneling magneto-resistance sensor with a spatial resolution of 5–10 µm and sensitivity to fields of less than 10 A/m. These experimental results are compared with the fields computed by ANSYS Maxwell® finite element modelling of the same topologies. Measured field shape and strength correspond well with the results of modelling, including direct observation of corner and edge effects. Three-dimensional analysis of the field shape produced by the square coil, isolating the components H(x) and H(z), is compared with the three-dimensional field solutions from modelling. The finite element modelling is validated and the accuracy and utility of the new system for three-dimensional scanning of general stray fields is confirmed.
Detection and Compensation of Degeneracy Cases for IMU-Kinect Integrated Continuous SLAM with Plane Features
Authors: Cho HyunGi , Yeon Suyong , Choi Hyunga , Doh Nakju
Published: March 2018

In a group of general geometric primitives, plane-based features are widely used for indoor localization because of their robustness against noises. However, a lack of linearly independent planes may lead to a non-trivial estimation. This in return can cause a degenerate state from which all states cannot be estimated. To solve this problem, this paper first proposed a degeneracy detection method. A compensation method that could fix orientations by projecting an inertial measurement unit’s (IMU) information was then explained. Experiments were conducted using an IMU-Kinect v2 integrated sensor system prone to fall into degenerate cases owing to its narrow field-of-view. Results showed that the proposed framework could enhance map accuracy by successful detection and compensation of degenerated orientations.
Source Localization in Acoustic Sensor Networks via Constrained Least-Squares Optimization Using AOA and GROA Measurements
Authors: Luo Ji-An , Pan Si-Wei , Peng Dong-Liang , Wang Zhi , Li Yan-Jun
Published: March 2018

A constrained least-squares (CLS) 3D source localization method is presented for acoustic sensor networks with sensor position errors. The proposed approach uses angles of arrivals (AOAs) and gain ratios of arrival (GROAs) measured simultaneously at each node to estimate the source position jointly. Compared to AOA-only localization methods, the GROAs can be used in conjunction with AOA measurements so as to get more accurate results by exploiting the geometrical relationship between these two measurements. Compared to time difference of arrival localization methods, the proposed algorithm does not require accurate time synchronization over different nodes. The theoretical mean-square error matrices of the proposed approach are derived and they are exactly equal to the Cramér–Rao bound for Gaussian noise under the small error condition. Simulations validate the performance of the proposed estimator.
Explicit Content Caching at Mobile Edge Networks with Cross-Layer Sensing
Authors: Chen Lingyu , Su Youxing , Luo Wenbin , Hong Xuemin , Shi Jianghong
Published: March 2018

The deployment density and computational power of small base stations (BSs) are expected to increase significantly in the next generation mobile communication networks. These BSs form the mobile edge network, which is a pervasive and distributed infrastructure that can empower a variety of edge/fog computing applications. This paper proposes a novel edge-computing application called explicit caching, which stores selective contents at BSs and exposes such contents to local users for interactive browsing and download. We formulate the explicit caching problem as a joint content recommendation, caching, and delivery problem, which aims to maximize the expected user quality-of-experience (QoE) with varying degrees of cross-layer sensing capability. Optimal and effective heuristic algorithms are presented to solve the problem. The theoretical performance bounds of the explicit caching system are derived in simplified scenarios. The impacts of cache storage space, BS backhaul capacity, cross-layer information, and user mobility on the system performance are simulated and discussed in realistic scenarios. Results suggest that, compared with conventional implicit caching schemes, explicit caching can better exploit the mobile edge network infrastructure for personalized content dissemination.
A High-Resolution SAR Focusing Experiment Based on GF-3 Staring Data
Authors: Shang Mingyang , Han Bing , Ding Chibiao , Sun Jili , Zhang Tao , Huang Lijia , Meng Dadi
Published: March 2018

Spotlight synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is a proven technique, which can provide high-resolution images as compared to those produced by traditional stripmap SAR. This paper addresses a high-resolution SAR focusing experiment based on Gaofen-3 satellite (GF-3) staring data with about 55 cm azimuth resolution and 240 MHz range bandwidth. In staring spotlight (ST) mode, the antenna always illuminates the same scene on the ground, which can extend the synthetic aperture. Based on a two-step processing algorithm, some special aspects such as curved-orbit model error correction, stop-and-go correction, and antenna pattern demodulation must be considered in image focusing. We provide detailed descriptions of all these aspects and put forward corresponding solutions. Using these suggested methods directly in an imaging module without any modification for other data processing software can make the most of the existing ground data processor. Finally, actual data acquired in GF-3 ST mode is used to validate these methodologies, and a well-focused, high-resolution image is obtained as a result of this focusing experiment.
Sensor Buoy System for Monitoring Renewable Marine Energy Resources
Authors: García Emilio , Quiles Eduardo , Correcher Antonio , Morant Francisco
Published: March 2018

In this paper we present a multi-sensor floating system designed to monitor marine energy parameters, in order to sample wind, wave, and marine current energy resources. For this purpose, a set of dedicated sensors to measure the height and period of the waves, wind, and marine current intensity and direction have been selected and installed in the system. The floating device incorporates wind and marine current turbines for renewable energy self-consumption and to carry out complementary studies on the stability of such a system. The feasibility, safety, sensor communications, and buoy stability of the floating device have been successfully checked in real operating conditions.
Erratum: Crews, T.E.; Rumsey, B.E. What Agriculture Can Learn from Native Ecosystems in Building Soil Organic Matter: A Review. Sustainability 2017, 9, 578
Authors: Crews Timothy , Rumsey Brian
Published: March 2018

The authors would like to correct the reference[...]
Bottom-Up Energy Transition Narratives: Linking the Global with the Local? A Comparison of Three German Renewable Co-Ops
Authors: David Martin , Schönborn Sophia
Published: March 2018

Bottom-up transition narratives help to enable the implementation of energy transitions. Yet, scholarship shows that little light has been shed on how bottom-up transition narratives change during the course of transition. By proposing a framework that envisions bottom-up transition narratives, we analyze narratives on three German bottom-up renewable energy initiatives to address this gap. Relying on semi-structured interviews with innovators and adopters, we show that, during the establishment phase, the analyzed narratives take non-place-bound factors like climate change as a point of contention. At the same time, narratives underscore place-bound factors as, for instance, civil society’s knowledge and participation as means for an alternative, non-rent-seeking energy system. During the adoption phase, the analyzed narratives travel easily. This represents a paradox because bottom-up energy transition narratives move beyond their local, place-bound origin in order to be reproduced in different spatial settings. By so doing, bottom-up energy transition narratives diverge from their original message. By falling short on the promotion of citizen’s participation, they begin to promote sociotechnical systems that differ little from the sociotechnical systems from competing, rent-seeking energy industries during the innovation adoption pathway. Our comparative approach outlines how bottom-up energy transition narratives adapt to this trade-off during innovation adoption events. We discuss what this means for bottom-up energy transitions and conclude that bottom-up energy transition narratives are faced with a fixity–travel dilemma during the adoption phase.
Mitochondrial Morphology and Function of the Pancreatic β-Cells INS-1 Model upon Chronic Exposure to Sub-Lethal Cadmium Doses
Authors: Jacquet Adeline , Cottet-Rousselle Cécile , Arnaud Josiane , Julien Saint Amand Kevin , Ben Messaoud Raoua , Lénon Marine , Demeilliers Christine , Moulis Jean-Marc
Published: March 2018

The impact of chronic cadmium exposure and slow accumulation on the occurrence and development of diabetes is controversial for human populations. Islets of Langerhans play a prominent role in the etiology of the disease, including by their ability to secrete insulin. Conversion of glucose increase into insulin secretion involves mitochondria. A rat model of pancreatic β-cells was exposed to largely sub-lethal levels of cadmium cations applied for the longest possible time. Cadmium entered cells at concentrations far below those inducing cell death and accumulated by factors reaching several hundred folds the basal level. The mitochondria reorganized in response to the challenge by favoring fission as measured by increased circularity at cadmium levels already ten-fold below the median lethal dose. However, the energy charge and respiratory flux devoted to adenosine triphosphate synthesis were only affected at the onset of cellular death. The present data indicate that mitochondria participate in the adaptation of β-cells to even a moderate cadmium burden without losing functionality, but their impairment in the long run may contribute to cellular dysfunction, when viability and β-cells mass are affected as observed in diabetes.
Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Infections Related to Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Inoue Hiroyuki , Washida Naoki , Morimoto Kohkichi , Shinozuka Keisuke , Kasai Takahiro , Uchiyama Kiyotaka , Tokuyama Hirobumi , Wakino Shu , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: March 2018

Most infections related to peritoneal dialysis (PD) are caused by common bacteria, and non-tuberculous mycobacteria are rare. The clinical characteristics and prognosis of PD patients with non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections were investigated at our hospital. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria were detected in 11 patients (exit-site infection, tunnel infection, and peritonitis in 3, 5, and 3 patients, respectively). Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium chelonae, and Mycobacterium abscessus were identified in 4, 2, and 2 patients, respectively. Most patients with peritonitis or tunnel infection required catheter removal. During the study period (2007 – 2017), peritonitis occurred in 44 patients, including 3 patients (6.8%) with non-tuberculous mycobacterial peritonitis. When non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection occurs, multi-agent antibiotic therapy, unroofing surgery, and/or catheter replacement should be performed to prevent peritonitis.
Protein Carbamylation in Peritoneal Dialysis and the Effect of Low Glucose plus Amino Acid Solutions
Authors: Trottier Caitlin , Perl Jeffrey , Freeman Megan , Thadhani Ravi , Berg Anders , Kalim Sahir
Published: March 2018

Protein carbamylation is a post-translational urea-driven protein modification associated with mortality. Free amino acids (AAs) competitively inhibit protein carbamylation and parenteral AA therapy reduces carbamylation in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) yields differences in urea clearance and AA balance compared with HD, but the influence of PD and intraperitoneal AA solutions on carbamylation is unclear. Thus, we first measured carbamylated albumin (C-Alb; a marker of carbamylation load) in 100 diabetic HD patients frequency-matched by age, sex, and race to 98 diabetic PD subjects from the IMPENDIA trial, which originally compared the metabolic effects of low-glucose PD solutions (incorporating icodextrin and AAs) to a control group (dextrose-only solutions). We then determined the effects of the AA-enriched PD solutions by measuring the 6-month change in C-Alb within the IMPENDIA cohort by treatment allocation (48 treated vs 50 controls). Peritoneal dialysis patients, when compared with HD patients, had higher baseline urea and higher C-Alb. Among IMPENDIA participants, there was no difference in C-Alb change in either arm, but treated subjects showed a trend towards increased carbamylation. Treated subjects also demonstrated an increase in urea, possibly explaining the carbamylation trend. In summary, carbamylation levels in PD patients appeared higher than in matched HD patients. A regimen of AA and low-glucose PD solutions did not reduce C-Alb in IMPENDIA subjects.
HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF RADON AND CARBON DIOXIDE IN ENERGY-EFFICIENT FAMILY HOUSES WITHOUT HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATION
Authors: GÉCZI Gábor , BENÉCS József , KRISTÓF Krisztina , HORVÁTH Márk
Published: March 2018

The most significant factors of indoor air quality – besides temperature and humidity – are the concentrations of carbon-dioxide (CO2) and radon (222Rn). Radon seepage is caused by and affected by the materials used in walls and floors, the quality of insulation, cracks and even the amount of pipes running through the walls. The amount of CO2 is predominantly affected by the biological processes of the inhabitants, and possibly by potentially faulty HVAC systems. The energy efficiency related upgrades to family homes, which often only extend to window replacements and better insulation have a significant effect and could potentially increase concentrations of both radon and CO2 which has a significant effect on the well-being of the inhabitants. Our tests conducted in Hungary have proven that by using automated heat recovery ventilation (HRV) both energy efficient operation and low concentrations of radon and CO2 are achievable. Our results prove the significance and prevalence of the issue of higher concentrations of these pollutants, and offer a viable solution.
Notulae to the Italian flora of algae, bryophytes, fungi and lichens: 5
Authors: Ravera Sonia , Vizzini Alfredo , Cogoni Annalena , Aleffi Michele , Benesperi Renato , Bianchi Elisabetta , von Brackel Wolfgang , Cataldo Daniela , D'Antonio Costantino , Di Nuzzo Luca , Favero Longo Sergio Enrico , Gheza Gabriele , Isocrono Deborah , Matteucci Enrica , Martellos Stefano , Morosini Lorenzo , Nimis Pier Luigi , Ongaro Silvia , Poponessi Silvia , Puntillo Domenico , Sguazzin Francesco , Tretiach Mauro
Published: March 2018

In this contribution, new data concerning bryophytes, fungi, and lichens of the Italian flora are presented. It includes new records and confirmations for the bryophyte genera Diplophyllum and Ptychostomum, the fungal genera Arrhenia, Gymnosporangium, and Sporidesmium and the lichen genera Arthonia, Coenogonium, Flavoplaca, Gyalolechia, Parmotrema, Peltigera, Pterygiopsis, Squamarina, Tornabea, and Waynea.
Floristic affinities of the lowland savannahs of Belize and southern Mexico
Authors: Canché-Estrada Idalia Arely , Ortiz-Díaz Juan Javier , Tun-Garrido Juan
Published: March 2018

Environmental heterogeneity of Belize and southern Mexico savannahs as well as their geographical location suggest that these plant communities share floristic elements, making them conducive to a phytogeographical analysis. The aim of this study was to analyse the floristic affinities of nine savannahs of Belize and southern Mexico and to explain the similarities and differences amongst them.

A binary data matrix containing 915 species was built based on the authors’ own collections and on nine floristic lists already published. A second data matrix, consisting of 113 species representing trees, was also used since most literature on neotropical savannahs has focused on this life form. In addition, the ten most species-rich families as well as the characteristic species present in more than five savannahs were analysed. Floristic similarities were calculated using the Jaccard index. Dendrograms obtained in both types of analysis showed clusters with low similarity values, corresponding to geographic locations formed by the savannahs of Belize-Tabasco and the Yucatan Peninsula.

The floristic affinities of the savannahs may be explained in terms of heterogeneity in climate and physiography. The Yucatan Peninsula and Belize-Tabasco groups have differences in climate type and the amount of rainfall. In addition, the Yucatan Peninsula savannahs are established at the bottom of karstic valleys, while the Belize and Tabasco savannahs develop on extensive flatlands. The savannahs of Oaxaca have the same climate type and amount of rainfall as those of the Yucatan Peninsula but they are distributed along peaks and the slopes of shale hills. Fabaceae and Poaceae mainly dominated the local floras with 121 and 116 species each; remarkably, Melastomataceae was absent in the Yucatan Peninsula and Oaxaca. Nine species occurred in five to seven savannahs, confirming that they are widespread in both Belize and southern Mexico, and the Neotropics. Geographic location and floristic affinities of the nine savannahs support, to some extent, three different biogeographic provinces.
Cold-pressed pumpkin seed (Cucurbita pepo L.) oils from the central Anatolia region of Turkey: Characterization of phytosterols, squalene, tocols, phenolic acids, carotenoids and fatty acid bioactive compounds
Authors: Akin G. , Arslan F. N. , Karuk Elmasa S. N. , Yilmaz I.
Published: March 2018

There is a growing interest in cold-pressed oils because they present high contents of bioactive compounds. These oils have the characteristic properties of seeds and are specific products of their regions. The aim of this study was to determine the compositions and contents of fatty acids, phytosterols, squalene, tocols, phenolic acids, carotenoids and phenolic bioactives, and the free radical scavenging as well as antioxidant activities of cold-pressed pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) seed oils. Oil samples from raw pumpkin seeds cultivated in four different central Anatolia regions of Turkey were prepared using a laboratory screw-pressing machine. The results indicate that cold-pressed pumpkin seed oils (PSO) have excellent quality with high contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids (%ΣPUFAs) (53.60 ±0.06-53.73 ±0.05), total phytosterols (782.1±9.7–805.2 ±11.3 mg/100 g oil), squalene (591.3±10.6–632.5±11.4 mg/100 g oil), tocols (97.79 ±0.76?94.29 ±0.34 mg/100 g oil), phenolic acids (22.73 ±0.41–23.98 ±0.46 mg/100 g oil), carotenoids (6.95 ±0.03–7.60 ±0.03 mg/100 g oil), total phenolics (3.96 ±0.13 –5.82±0.15 mg GAE/100 g), free radical-scavenging activity (5.70 ±0.13?7.35 ±0.15 mg GAE/100 g) and total antioxidant activity (26.67±0.97-38.89±1.41 mg GAE/100 g) values. Thus, this study demonstrates that the cold- pressed PSOs from the central Anatolia regions of Turkey are an excellent source of natural bioactive compounds, free of chemical contaminants and nutritious.
Extracellular laccase production and phenolic degradation by an olive mill wastewater isolate
Authors: Kumar R. , Raizner Y. , Kruh L. I. , Menashe O. , Azaizeh H. , Kapur S. , Kurzbaum E.
Published: March 2018

Olive mill wastewater (OMWW) presents a challenge to the control of effluents due to the presence of a high organic load, antimicrobial agents (monomeric-polymeric phenols, volatile acids, polyalcohols, and tannins), salinity and acidity. In this study, the production of extracellular laccase, monomeric or polymeric phenol, from an OMWW isolate based on its ability to biodegrade phenols and gallic acid as a model of phenolic compounds in OMWW was investigated. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S RNA gene sequences identified the bacterial isolate (Acinetobacter REY) as being closest to Acinetobacter pittii. This isolate exhibited a constitutive production of extracellular laccase with an activity of 1.5 and 1.3 U ml/L when supplemented with the inducers CuSO4 and CuSO4+phenols, respectively. Batch experiments containing minimal media supplemented with phenols or gallic acid as the sole carbon and energy source were performed in order to characterize their phenolic biodegradability. Acinetobacter REY was capable of biodegrading up to 200 mg/L of phenols and gallic acid both after 10 h and 72 h, respectively.
Evaluation of the oxidative stability of Chipotle chili (Capsicum annuum L.) oleoresins in avocado oil
Authors: Cerecedo-Cruz L. , Azuara-Nieto E. , Hernández-Álvarez A. J. , González-González C. R. , Melgar-Lalanne G.
Published: March 2018

Capsicum annuum L. (Chipotle chili) is a natural source of bioactive metabolites with antioxidant properties. The objective of this research was to obtain and characterize the oxidative stability under storage of Chipotle chili oleoresins extracted with cold-pressed avocado oil. The most efficient conditions obtained to extract carotenoids and phenolic compounds were at 1:3 ratio (chipotle chili: avocado oil; w:v) at room temperature in darkness during 48 h. At the end of the harshest conditions (45 °C, 30 days), the extracts were stable to lipid oxidation with a final Totox value of 27.34, a carotenoid preservation of 85.6%, antioxidant activity retention of 80.66% and a color change (ΔE) of 1.783. The kinetic constants obtained were higher for peroxide formation than for carotenoid degradation. The oleoresins obtained could be considered an economic and sustainable alternative to extract carotenoids with good oxidation stability that could be used in foodstuffs.
Big Data Challenges and Solutions in the Medical Industries
Authors: Kashyap Ramgopal , Piersson Albert Dayor
Published: March 2018

Big data today is being investigated to find the bits of knowledge that prompt better choices and vital business moves. The data innovations are developing to a point in which an ever-increasing number of associations are set up to pilot and embrace big data as a center part of the data administration and examination framework. It is a range of research that is blasting yet at the same time confronts many difficulties in utilizing the esteem that information brings to the table. The battle against “spam information” and information quality is a pivotal issue. Big data challenges are discussed and some solutions are proposed because the volume of made information will surpass the capacity limits and will require cautious determination.
Wavelet Transform Algorithms
Authors: Kourav Arvind Kumar , Sharma Shilpi , Tiwari Vimal
Published: March 2018

Digital image processing has an enormous impact on technical and industrial applications. Uncompressed images need large storage capacity and communication bandwidth. Digital images have become a significant source of information in the current world of communication systems. This chapter explores the phenomenon of digital images and basic techniques of digital image processing in detail. With the creation of multimedia, the requirements for the storage of a larger amount of high quality pictures and data analysis are increasing.
Technological Change Perspective for ERP Implementation in Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Nair Jessy , Chellasamy Aarthy
Published: March 2018

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) trail large organizations in leveraging IT systems. SMEs are beginning to understand the significance of implementing IT systems like ERP for improving their preparedness in business processes. Hence the objective of this research article is to develop a framework to analyse SME's organizational preparedness for implementing the technology. This research applies a General Morphological Analysis (GMA) framework to explore suitable models and variables for IT change preparedness to realize the benefits of ERP implementation in SMEs. An SMEs drawback in implementing IT tools is specifically due to a lack of knowledge and an acute shortage of resources like investment and manpower. The review of literature in this article using general morphological analysis is novel for ERP implementation in the SME sector. Based on the review of articles, a morphology with a technology organization framework and environment (TOE) framework which evaluates technological, organizational and environment is most adequate to understand the IT readiness for ERP among SMEs.
Customers' Satisfaction towards Mobile Prepaid Services
Authors: Katta Rama Mohana Rao , Patro Chandra Sekhar , Prasad Malla Satya
Published: March 2018

This article describes how communication has become an integral part of the growth, success and efficiency of an individual and an organization. In the current environment, due to advancements in technology, communication has become much easier and faster. The mobile telecom is one of the leading and fastest growing sectors in the world as communication plays a vital role and especially in India. The main concerns of the service providers are to increase the number of customers and retain the existing. The customers are moving ahead with times and have started buying cellular services just like routine household items. As the cellular industry in India is one of the fastest growing sectors, it is important to explore the drivers of customer satisfaction in this industry. The purpose of this article is to analyze the customer satisfaction towards mobile prepaid services offered by the BSNL. The findings of the study would help the mobile service providers to have a better understanding and to develop strategies to attract and retain more customers.
Passenger Condition Based Route-Planning for Cognitive Vehicle System
Authors: Hiraishi Hironori
Published: March 2018

This article proposes a route-planning method for an environment in which self-driving vehicles are widely used. Such vehicles generate a new route to avoid traffic congestion when it occurs. Through the self-developed traffic simulator, the author was able to clarify that it is not always best to generate an avoidance route, and the decision to drive along the current route without generating an avoidance route becomes important in certain cases. Thus, the author proposes a method in which a vehicle judges whether to generate an avoidance route based on the passenger's condition. To detect the passenger's condition, the author uses a sitting-pressure sensor and succeeded in recognizing passenger fatigue. The author can therefore make certain judgments: The vehicle will go along the current route if the passenger seems to be relaxed and in a comfortable atmosphere, the vehicle will arrive earlier by avoiding traffic congestion if the passenger seems to be tired or irritated, or the vehicle will stop for a break period if the passenger seems to be significantly tired.
Nuclei Segmentation for Quantification of Brain Tumors in Digital Pathology Images
Authors: Guo Peifang , Evans Alan , Bhattacharya Prabir
Published: March 2018

In this article, based on image transformation of HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value), the authors propose a method for cancer nuclei segmentation when such conflicts of cancer nuclei involve ‘omics' indicative of brain tumors pathologically. To constrain the problem space in the region of color information, i.e. cancer nuclei, they convert the images into the V component of HSV first, and then apply the threshold level-set segmentation and the sparsity technique (VTLS-ST) in segmentation. The combined technique of the proposed VTLS-ST is implemented using the real-time CBTC dataset in the validation stage. The proposed method exhibits an improved capability of searching recursively for the optimal threshold level-set in the working subsets via the sparsity representation in segmentation. The experimental results show the reliability and efficiency of the proposed approach in real-time applications with an average rate of 0.932 in terms of similarity index for segmentation of cancer nuclei in brain tumor detection.
A Virtual-Reality Approach for the Assessment and Rehabilitation of Multitasking Deficits
Authors: Bock Otmar , Drescher Uwe , van Winsum Wim , Kesnerus Thomas F , Voelcker-Rehage Claudia
Published: March 2018

Virtual reality technology can be used for ecologically valid assessment and rehabilitation of cognitive deficits. This article expands the scope of applications to ecologically valid multitasking. A commercially available driving simulator was upgraded by adding an ever-changing sequence of concurrent, everyday-like tasks. Furthermore, the simulator software was modified and interfaced with a non-motorized treadmill to yield a pedestrian street crossing simulator. In the latter simulator, participants walk on through a virtual city, stop at busy streets to wait for a gap in traffic, and then cross. Again, a sequence of everyday-like tasks is added. A feasibility study yielded adequate “presence” in both virtual scenarios, and plausible data about performance decrements under multi-task compared to single-task conditions. The present approach could be suitable for the assessment and training of multitasking skills in older adults and neurological patients.
Experimental Study on the Strength and Damping Properties of Polymer Recycled Concrete
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhou Jian Xin , Zhang Feng , Li Guo Tai
Published: March 2018

This paper designed and completed the different polymer dosage of recycled concrete, was prepared by adding amount was 7%, 14%, 21%, 14% styrene butadiene latex recycled concrete, recycled rubber powder recycled concrete and ordinary concrete block, the cube compressive strength and damping performance test. The cube compressive strength of concrete test according to the ordinary concrete mechanics performance test methods, specimen is 150×150×150 mm cube specimens, pressure testing machine loading speed is 0.5 MPa per second. The concrete damping performance test is carried out according to the free attenuation method, with the hammer vibration test device, the test piece is T type. Based on the damage form of specimens, the compressive strength and damping performance analysis, and compared with ordinary concrete as the benchmark analysis test results show that the polymer recycled concrete cube compressive strength failure process and failure pattern basic consistent with common concrete. In the water/cement ratio, sand ratio, and amount of material per unit volume is the same, under the condition of polymer recycled concrete cube compressive strength is lower than normal concrete, damping performance is higher than that of ordinary concrete, the compressive strength is inversely proportional to the damping sexual relations.
A Comparative Study of Viscoelastic Boundary Parameters for Bedding Rock
Authors: Hu Hong Yun , Zhou Xiao Jun , Tao Chen
Published: March 2018

The bedding rock mass is a common geological configuration in earthquake engineering, and the wave method is often used in seismic response analysis, but the accuracy of the analysis is restricted because of the viscoelastic boundary parameters can only be take approximate values. In order to select the most reasonable approximation of boundary parameters in the analysis, in this paper, based on the transversely isotropic constitutive relation of the bedding rock mass, the existing methods of spring coefficients and damping coefficients are compared and analyzed, and the suggestion for the approximate values of the viscoelastic boundary of the bedding rock mass is given.
Mechanism of Cathodic Plasma Electrolytic Deposition on Ti6Al4V Alloy in Al(NO3)3 Ethanol-Aqueous Solution
Authors: Wang Shao Qing , Xie Fa Qin , Yao Xiao Fei , Wu Xiang Qing
Published: March 2018

Barrier layer was prepared by Micro-arc oxidation(MAO) technique in silicate solution, and cathodic plasma electrolytic deposition (CPED) technique was used to fabricate Al2O3 ceramic coatings on Ti6Al4V alloy in Al(NO3)3(30g/L) and ethanol-aqueous solutions. Surface morphology and elemental of the coatings were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS). Reaction phenomena were recorded and products of reactions were analyzed by infrared absorption spectrum KBr compression method. Furthermore, mechanisms of different electrolytes were evaluated.
Analysis of Melt Temperature Effects on Rapid Solidification of Al Alloy Structure
Authors: Chen Hong Sheng , Zhuang Su Tao
Published: March 2018

The alloys Al88Co4Y8, Al88Ni4Y8, Al87Ni10Ce3and Al85Ni10Ce5were heated and mixed by using intermediate frequency furnace. By controlling different melt superheat tempratures, a series of thin strip alloy samples were prepared by single roller spinning quenching method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results show that melt temperatures have different effects on the amorphous structure formation of Al-(Co,Ni)-(Y,Ce) alloy. In addition The glass forming ability of Al-based amorphous alloy prepared by thermal analysis was analyzed. Experiments results indicate that the higher the melt temperature of Al88Co4Y8alloy, the easier the formation of the crystallization phase.
Experimental Estimation of the Elastic Modulus of Non-Hazardous Waste Incineration Bottom Ash Aggregates by Indentation Tests - Microanalysis of Particles by Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Sow Libasse , Kamali-Bernard Siham , Bartier Olivier , Mauvoisin Gérard , Bernard Fabrice
Published: March 2018

An original experimental campaign never conducted until now on Non-Hazardous Waste Incineration aggregates is presented in this paper. The experiments were conducted in two phases: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and instrumented indentation. A cartography followed by a series of Quantitative Chemical Microanalysis (QCM) was carried out on the 0/12.5 mm fraction of the particle size distribution. Instrumented indentation tests were carried out on isolated particles of 25 mm in diameter. Observations at the SEM yielded the exact chemical composition of the bottom ashes. It has been found that the proportions of the chemical elements composing the material are slightly different from those of other studies. This difference has made it possible to note that the zone of production of the bottom ash significantly influences their physicochemical characteristics. From the indentation curves obtained, the “Olivier and Pharr” method was used to determine the reduced modulus of elasticity “Er”. Mean values of approximately 65 GPa and 40 GPa were obtained respectively for vitreous phases and less vitreous ones.
Preparation and Characterization of the Hydrophilic Polysulfone Ultrafiltration Membrane
Authors: Wang Xi , Zhao Zhi Ping , Lu Peng
Published: March 2018

In this study, the certain chloromethylated polysulfone ultrafiltration membrane (CMPSF) was prepared via nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method. Then the hydrophilic monomer was grafted on the CMPSF membrane through quaternary amination reaction. The structure of membrane was characterized by Fourier transform infrared and the properties were measured by pore size, contact angle and membrane water flux. The contact angle test results show that the hydrophilic performance of the membrane is improved due to the grafting modification. Meanwhile, water flux has a tendency to decrease with the increase of the reaction time due to the decrease in pore size. This indicates the rejection of membrane will be improved.
Effect of Expansive Agent on Concrete Filled Steel Tube
Authors: Li Hua , Liu Jia Ping , Tian Qian , Guo Fei
Published: March 2018

The shrinkage of concrete is one of the main causes of cavity in concrete filled steel tube (CFST). In this paper, the effect of a kind of lab-made expansive agent on the deformation of CFST is studied. The laser displacement sensor combined with the round straight steel tube mould was adopted to test the deformation of concrete from the initial setting to 1 day after pouring, and the mechanical micrometer method was used to test deformation after 1 day in the laboratory. The full-scale model test was carried out to monitor the effect of expansive agent in CFST at the project site. The results show that, the addition of expansive agent produced significant expansion in the first 3 days, with the expansion basically compensating the autogenous shrinkage of the concrete; influenced by thermal deformation, the constraint action of steel tube to the core concrete in temperature rise stage was far greater than that in cooling stage. Compared with expansion produced in temperature rise stage, it is more important to produce expansion in cooling stage to solve the cavity problem of CFST.
Study on Industrial-Scale Fabrication of Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs) from Natural Graphite
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh , Thi Tham Nguyen , Nguyen Thi Hong Phuong , Bhosale Sheshanath V. , La Duong Duc
Published: March 2018

In this work, we report a simple and advanced approach to fabricate graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in the industrial scale. In this method, GNPs is obtained from the natural graphite in a single step of exfoliation with sulphuric acid 100% and oxidizing agents. The morphology and properties of GNPs is characterized by using SEM, EDS, XRD, and TEM. The resultant GNPs are 10-20μm in diameter, 5-15nm in thickness, and the bulk density of 0.015 g ml-1.
Short Review: The Effect of Reaction Conditions on Plant-Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Jalani Nur Syazana , Zati-Hanani Sharifah , Teoh Yi Peng , Abdullah Rozaini
Published: March 2018

Recently, interest in plant-mediated synthesis of the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is growing among researchers and till now the potential of different plants is still further explored to synthesize nanoparticles. Conventionally, AgNPs are synthesized using chemical and physical methods. However, these methods involve use of toxic and hazardous chemicals which are harmful to health and environment. Therefore, plant-mediated synthesis has been used as environmental friendly alternative to overcome the limitation of conventional methods. The bioactive compounds in plant acts as natural reducing and stabilizing agents which help to increase the rate of synthesis and stabilization of synthesized nanoparticles. Besides, the nanoparticles synthesized using plants are reported to be more stable and the rate of synthesis is much faster compared to other methods. This review focuses on the biosynthesis of AgNPs using plant as natural source plant and the effect of reaction conditions are summarised and discussed.
Spectroscopic, Structural, and Morphology of Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles Prepared Using Physalis angulata Leaf Extract
Authors: Sulaiman Najmawati , Yulizar Yoki
Published: March 2018

Green synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) usingPhysalisangulataleaf extract (PALE) as weak base sources and stabilizing agents has been reported. Chemical bonding and vibration spectroscopy, crystallographic structure, optical band gap, particle size and microscopic studies of NiO NPs were also investigated. Ni-O vibration modes of NiO NPs were analyzed by FTIR and Raman instrument at ~400 and ~900 cm-1wavenumber. XRD pattern of NiO NPs confirmed cubic crystal structure with space groupFm-3m.Optical band gap of NiO NPs determined by using Tauc plot method was about 3.42 eV. Particle size analyzer showed size distribution of NiO NPs was 64.13 nm which confirm NiO formed in nanoscale. Electron microscopic studies of NiO NPs were observed by using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.