bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining Multimodal Transportation in the El Paso, Texas, Region: Regional Transportation Survey Results
Authors: Sener Ipek N. , Lee Richard J. , Simek Chris , Sánchez Alfredo , Aldrete Rafael M.
Published: June 2017

This paper summarizes a component of a multimodal transportation study conducted for the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization of Texas, which included a regional population survey. The El Paso Regional Multimodal Transportation Survey was implemented between September and October 2015, and the study area included all of El Paso County, Texas, and parts of Doña Ana and Otero Counties, New Mexico. The survey specifically examined the behaviors or motivations to use or not to use various modes of transportation, with a particular focus on alternative modes (i.e., walking, bicycling, and using public transportation). As one of the first known regional transportation surveys in the United States, this survey contributed to the emerging area of health and transportation through the integration of several elements of health and well-being. The results indicate that an understanding of regional and population characteristics, as well as behavioral barriers and motivators, is an important first step in the design of effective alternative travel programs and interventions. Several factors, including neighborhood environment variables, personal and social characteristics, and attitudes and habits toward health and transportation, worked together to influence residents’ participation in alternative transportation. Although the personal automobile is the dominant travel mode in El Paso, residents saw great value in the extension of public transportation infrastructure in the future. Improvements of connectivity, safety, and the neighborhood environment were found to be particularly essential to encourage walking and bicycling in the region.
Automated System to Prioritize Highway Improvement Locations and to Analyze Project Alternatives
Authors: Gan Albert , Alluri Priyanka , Raihan Md Asif , Liu Kaiyu , Saha Dibakar , Jung Rax
Published: June 2017

The Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) District One first deployed a web-based system in 2009, called the Congestion Management Process (CMP), to screen and prioritize highway locations on its Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) for low-cost, near-term improvements. The system prioritizes highway locations on the SIS within the district on the basis of a simple scoring method with seven performance measures (i.e., crash ratio, fatal crash, volume-to-capacity ratio, average annual daily traffic, truck volume, truck percent, and delay). Once the Florida DOT adopted the Highway Safety Manual (HSM), there was a desire to apply safety performance measures to the CMP that were consistent with the manual’s methodology. There also was a desire to explore and implement a more advanced project prioritization method for better location screening and prioritization and to add mapping capabilities to improve data visualization. This paper describes the district’s efforts to incorporate these improvements into the CMP system. The CMP system can calculate performance measures automatically, including two safety-related measures on the basis of the HSM methodology, and prioritize highway locations with the Analytic Network Process, an advanced multicriteria decision-making technique. The system can create thematic maps of performance measures and other input variables on Google Maps for data visualization. It also can evaluate potential projects and record project-level information. Although developed for the Florida DOT District One, the system can serve as a prototype and be customized to prioritize highway locations in other states.
Quantitative Evaluation of Drug Distribution in Tablets of Various Structures via Raman Mapping
Authors: Farkas Attila , Nagy Brigitta , Marosi György
Published: June 2017

Hyperspectral imaging was applied to provide quantitative spatial information about pharmaceutical samples. The aim was to characterize the distribution of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in manufactured samples quantitatively. Two kind of API, imipramine and spironolactone were applied in three conventional and two continuous processing technologies. The homogeneity of distributions of 10% API was determined through Raman maps applying macropixel analysis method. Non-overlapping macropixel analysis (Poole-index) and calculation of distributional homogeneity indices (DHIs) were compared as a measure of homogeneity. Non-overlapping macropixel approach proved to be more sensible than DHI evaluation. For enhancing efficacy of DHI we suggest a correction by weighting scores and considering relative standard deviations. This way the capability of DHI can be improved significantly. The very slight differences between the continuous methods (the homogeneity of which are much higher than that of conventional technologies) could be quantified.
Thermal Conductivity Modeling of Aqueous CuO Nanofluids by Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) Using Experimental Data
Authors: Hemmat Esfe Mohammad
Published: June 2017

In this article, thermal conductivity data of aqueous nanofluids of CuO have been modeled through one of the instruments of empirical data modeling. The input data of 5 different volume fractions of nanofluid obtained in four temperatures through experiments have been considered as network inputs. Also, triangular function, due to providing the best responses, has been used as membership function in ANFIS structure. The modeling results show that fuzzy networks are able to model thermal conductivity results of nanofluids with good precision. Regression coefficient of this modeling has been 0.99.
Simulation of Carbon Dioxide Removal by Three Amine Mixture of Diethanolamine, Methyldiethanolamine, and 2-Amino- 2-Methyl-1-Propanol in a Hollow Fiber Membrane Contactor Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Bahrami Moghim Pedram , Mohammadi Toraj
Published: June 2017

The present paper investigates the simulation of carbon dioxide removal from natural gas stream by a mixture of three amines of diethanolamine (DEA), methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), and 2-amino- 2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) in a hollow fiber membrane contactor made from polypropylene using finite volume method (FVM). The effect of structural parameters of length and thickness of membrane and diameter of shell on the removal efficiency was studied and the optimized values were calculated. The calculations were made with the assumption of two-dimensional symmetric geometry and compared with those of three-dimensional one. The effect of number and size of the meshes on the simulation results was also studied. The simulation results were validated against the experimental values from the literature. The results imply that the increase in the length and decrease in the thickness of membrane enhances the removal efficiency. As a result, higher quantities of carbon dioxide are transferred from the shell to the membrane and amine solution inside the tube which decreases the effluent CO2 of shell and increases the average concentration of CO2 in the membrane and tube sides. The changes in effluent CO2 of shell with respect to amine solution concentration and influent CO2 indicate the insignificant influence of influent CO2 concentration on the removal efficiency.
Hydrogenolysis of Glycerol over γ-Al2O3-Supported Iridium Catalyst
Authors: Ahmed Tamer S. , Abdelaziz Omar Y. , Roberts George W.
Published: June 2017

In recent years, much attention has been focused on the hydrogenolysis of biodiesel derived glycerol to other high value products for the sustainable development and efficient valorization strategies. In the present work, alumina-supported Ir catalyst was prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation method and tested in the glycerol hydrogenolysis reaction. The synthesized catalyst was characterized by neutron activation analysis, N2 physisorption, and H2 chemisorption techniques. The experiments standard conditions were 150 mL feed volume, 0.3 g catalyst, 1500 rpm stirring speed, and 5 wt% glycerol aqueous solution for 4 h. The effects of catalyst amount, temperature, hydrogen pressure, stirring speed, and solution pH on glycerol conversion and selectivity of the principal products obtained were also investigated. The glycerol conversion and the 1,2-propanediol selectivity varied from 4.9% to 22% and from 23.8% to 70.3%, respectively. It was found that the selectivity of 1,2-propanediol increased significantly with the increased alkalinity of the reaction medium.
Application of Different Evapotranspiration Models to Calculate Total Agricultural Water Demand in a Tropical Region
Authors: Tran Ngoc Thi Hong , Honti Mark
Published: June 2017

Today, water in the Long Xuyen Quadrangle-An Giang (LXQAG)(Mekong River delta, Vietnam) is becoming scarce in some seasonsand some districts in the region, especially when the scenariosof climate change will affect water resources in the future.Therefore, it is necessary to make decisions about water conservationand distribution to ensure compatibility with the socialobjectives such as economic efficiency, sustainability and fairness.The mathematical models used for water distribution andbalance calculations are the prominent themes nowadays. To performthis task, it needs to calculate the water needs for all economicsectors. In this article we are particularly concerned aboutwater demand calculation methods for crops and aquaculture.Because these are the two main commodities accounting for thehighest water usage in the region. Water demand for crops is calculatedthrough potential evaporation using the methods of Hargreaves& Samani; Priestley and Taylor and Penman-Monteithto check if the first two simpler methods with less data demandcould be used to estimate evapotranspiration. The results showthat the simpler methods were significantly different and thereforewater demand calculations must be based on the Penman-Monteith method for the water demand of crops and the methodsof Penman to calculate expansion evaporation for aquaculture.The result shows that the total water demand in 2015 is 6,428million m3/year. It is estimated that in 2020, agricultural waterdemand will rise by 71% compared to 2015 to 22,531 millionm3/year. The main reason for this rise is that the local managersexpect the catfish farming area to increase by 80%, if peopleapply the “VietGAP standards”.
Neural Network Approach for Availability Indicator Prediction
Authors: Kutyłowska Małgorzata
Published: June 2017

The principal aim of this research was to find out if artificial neuralnetworks could be employed to predict the availability factorfor water mains, distribution pipes and house connections.Modelling by means of artificial neural networks (ANNs) wascarried out using the Statistica 10.0 software package. Operatingdata from the years 1999–2005 were used to train the ANNswhile data from the next seven years of operation were usedto verify the model. The optimal model (characterized by thelowest mean-square error) contained 11 hidden neurons activatedby the exponential function. The linear function was usedto activate the 3 output neurons. 185 training epochs sufficed totrain the ANN, using the quasi-Newton method. The correlationbetween the availability indicator experimental values and themodelling results would remain high, amounting during modelverification to R2 = 0.740, R2 = 0.823, R2 = 0.992 for respectivelywater mains, distribution pipes and house connections. As theavailability indicator prediction example shows, the artificialneural networks are a promising tool enabling quick and easyanalysis of failure frequency. It is possible to train the ANN furtherand change the number of training epochs and hidden neuronsas well as the activation functions and training methods.
Compressive Strength and Microstructural Characteristics of Natural Zeolite-based Geopolymer
Authors: Özen Sevgi , Alam Burhan
Published: June 2017

A detailed study of geopolymeric reaction products and mechanical properties of geopolymer pastes prepared with natural zeolite has been investigated by means of compressive strength, XRD and SEM/EDX analysis. Sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide solutions are used as an alkaline activator. The results of the investigation show that the activator ratio plays an important role on the mechanical development of geopolymer pastes. The geopolymeric gel and CSH phase with a low Ca/Si ratio are found as the main reaction product. The increased intensity of CSH phase has a significant effect on the improvement of the compressive strength. Decreased intensity of clinoptilolite and totally consumed clay mineral upon geopolymerization proves the involvement of the aluminosilicate phases in the geopolymeric reaction. The existence of sodium and increment of Si/Al ratio with respect to original zeolitic tuff were detected. The results also show that the investigated natural zeolite, which is emerged as an environmentally friendly, low-cost material, is suitable for the production of geopolymer cement.
Predicting Displacement Data of Three-Dimensional Reinforced Concrete Frames with Different Strengthening Applications Using ANN
Authors: Bahadır Fatih
Published: June 2017

In this study, the artificial neural network (ANN) methodwas used to estimate unavailable displacement data of threedimensional(3D) reinforced concrete (RC) frames with differentstrengthening applications. Four 3D-RC frames wereproduced two storeys and one bay in 1/6 geometric scale withthe deficiencies commonly observed in residential buildingsin Turkey. The first specimen was a bare frame containing nobrick walls and no strengthening. The second specimen wasall brick walls and no strengthening. The third specimen wasstrengthened with an internal steel panel. The fourth specimenwas strengthened with an infilled RC shear wall. The specimenswere tested under reverse cyclic lateral loading and constantvertical loading until failure. This study investigated the estimationof displacement data when the linear variable differentialtransformer of 104 numbers is corrupted and some hystereticloop data are missing. Using the method proposed the unavailableor incorrect displacement data can be predicted by ANNwithout performing any additional experiments. Root meansquared error, coefficient determination, mean absolute error,mean squared error and normalised mean absolute error statisticalvalues were used to compare experimental results withANN model results. These statistical values usually exhibit verylow error rate until a cycle of maximum load is reached.
Multivariable Robust Fault Tolerant Control For Work-Class Remotely Operated Vehicle
Authors: Wang Zhaoqiang , Wang Zhen , Wu Mingen , Luo Yiping
Published: June 2017

To deal with complex disturbances and the presence of partial loss of propeller effectiveness in work-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), a method of robust fault tolerant control is proposed, which is based on adaptive sliding mode control. In this approach, adaptive technique is employed to estimate the bounds’ information of external complex disturbances and the effectiveness loss of the propeller. And a sliding mode controller is then designed to achieve fault tolerant control and external disturbance rejection. Corresponding stability of the closed-loop control system is analyzed using Lyapunov stability theory. Apply this method to trajectory tracking control of work-class ROVs, the simulation results validate that great fault tolerant capability and a good performance of external disturbance rejection can be achieved even under partial loss of propeller effectiveness.
Lagrangian Dynamics Analysis of a XY-Theta Parallel Robotic Machine Tool
Authors: Enferadi Javad , Tavakolian Mohammad
Published: June 2017

Dynamics of a highly stiff parallel machine tool is the subject of this paper. High stiffness, good accuracy, relatively large workspace and free of singularities on the whole workspace makes the manipulator suitable for machining applications as an XY-Theta precision table. First, obtaining kinematics constraints, inverse kinematics analysis and velocity analysis are performed. Next, using six redundant generalized coordinates, we obtain Lagrangian of the manipulator. Also, a Lagrangian approach is proposed to obtain dynamics equations of the machine tool using three Lagrangian multipliers. This method allows elimination of constraint forces and moments at the joints from the motion equations. Dynamic equations of the manipulator are formed as inverse dynamics and direct dynamics problems. Finally, two examples are presented that confirms the obtained dynamics equations.
The LQR Control Active of Smart Plate Based on the Finite Element Method
Authors: Latrache Mohamed , Amrane Mohamed Nadir
Published: June 2017

This paper presents a numerical study pertaining to on the active vibration control (AVC) of the 3-D rectangle simply supported plate bonded of the piezoelectric sensor/ actuator pairs. AVC is a large area of interest either in all sections of industry or in research. One way to control the vibration of dynamic systems is by using piezoelectric materials. A finite element method (FEM) analysis is used to model the dynamic behavior of the system. The frequencies of the isotropic pate and a smart structure are verified by the comparison between the analytical calculations and simulation. A LQR controller is designed based on the independent mode space control techniques to stifle the vibration of the system. The change in the sizes of the patches was a clear impact on the control results, and also in the values of the voltage in actuator. The results were established by simulating in ANSYS and MATLAB.
Cylindrical Gears with Changing Ratio
Authors: Bendefy András , Horák Péter
Published: June 2017

Changing ratio gears are noncircular. It means that if they are combined with a conventional cylindrical gear a changing axis distance will be given. Changing axis distance can generate a lot of difficulties and additional costs in the construction. Our goal was to create changing ratio gears that have cylindrical geometry and interlock with conventional cylindrical gears at a constant axis distance. This can be achieved by applying continuously changing profile shift. Profile shift modifies the diameter of the gears, however it does not have any effect on the ratio; regardless if that is constant or changing. The point of our calculation is that some gears with noncircular rolling curves can have circular pitch curve with the help of changing profile shift.
Two Theorems for Computation of Projections of Virtual Displacements and Its Application in Structural Analysis
Authors: Su Zhenchao , Xue Yanxia
Published: June 2017

A theorem for planar case and its generalization for spatial case are proposed to determine the projection of a virtual displacement to the orientation under the case of knowing the projections of a virtual displacement to the given two or three orientations for object systems subject to holonomic and scleronomic constraints. Some lemmas corresponding to the two theorems for special cases are given. Applications to structural static analysis are investigated using the two theorems in this paper. Result reveals that the two theorems and corresponding lemmas are easy to be used, shorten the distance between the principle of virtual displacement and its application, and the relating problems can be solved quickly with them.
Assessing the Relationship Between Entrepreneurial Orientation, Reputational Resources and Absorptive Capability: A Resource-Based Approach
Authors: Rua Orlando Lima , França Alexandra
Published: June 2017

Building on well established theories, our research explores the influence of entrepreneurial orientation on reputational resources and absorptive capacity of knowledge exploitation of Portuguese small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of footwear associated to the Portuguese Footwear, Components and Leather Goods Association (APICCAPS).Therefore, a quantitative methodological approach was used, conducting a descriptive, exploratory and transversal empirical study, having applied a questionnaire to a sample of Portuguese SMEs.Based on survey data from 42 firms, our empirical results indicate that globally entrepreneurial orientation have a positive and significant influence on knowledge exploitation and that the entrepreneurial orientation’s dimensions that most contribute to this end are innovation and risk-taking.Moreover, the processes for exploitation of reputational resources and knowledge became an essential element for firms to adapt to changes in the competitive environment. The exploitation of this resources and capacities should be undertaken with innovation, proactivity and risk-taking.
Contributions of Absorptive Capabilities to Export Performance
Authors: França Alexandra , Rua Orlando Lima
Published: June 2017

The processes for absorbing external knowledge became an essential element for firms to adapt to changes in the competitive environment. Knowledge plays an important role in firms’ internationalization process. Building on well established theories, our research explores the contributions of absorptive capacities to export performance.This research adopted a quantitative methodological approach, conducting a descriptive, exploratory and transversal empirical study, having applied a questionnaire to a sample of Portuguese companies exporting footwear.Based on survey data from 42 firms, our empirical results indicate that absorptive capacities have a positive and significant influence on export performance, and that the capacities that most contribute to this end are knowledge exploitation, transformation and general knowledge acquisition.This study provide guidance to business practitioners because they indicate which absorptive capacities are the best predictors for export success.While previous authors have attempted to analyse certain aspects of this process (linkage between absorptive capacities and export performance), this research developed an analysis that proposes an exploratory model of the constructs studied in the Portuguese footwear industry.
Singularity in the Discrete Dynamic Leontief Model
Authors: Ábel István , Dobos Imre
Published: June 2017

A new wave of applications of the dynamic Leontief model brought into the forefront the singularity problem of the capital matrix. In these applications the singularity of the capital matrix is a common occurrence which complicates the solution of the model. In the singular case the model cannot be transformed in a direct forward recursive form. The method presented in this paper determines the length of a backward system (τ). Several applications stop at observing singularity while referring to the theoretical possibility of the solution. In particular, the singularity of the capital matrix played a prominent role in Bródy’s extensive contributions to the input-output literature but he never ventured into the details of its various solutions. We demonstrate that a number of papers dealing with the Leontief model with singular capital matrix based their solutions on similar regularity assumptions. Our formulation in this paper offers a brief overview of the approaches that can be followed in a wide range of applications confronting with the singularity problem.
Resolving Identity-based Conflicts in the North Caucasus
Authors: Popov Maxim
Published: June 2017

The article reviews the present state of analysis of regional conflict resolution in foreign and Russian literature. The goal of the research is to analyze the constructive methods for resolving ethno-political conflicts in the North Caucasus. Identity-based conflicts as a type of ethno-political conflicts have become a considerable obstacle to the Post-Soviet modernization in the current decade. The interest in the concept of identity-based conflict has been increasing worldwide during the first decade of the 21-st century. Competing identity became a prism for studying the problem of security in multi-ethnic communities. A rapid strengthening of hyper-ethnic identity of the citizens of Russia occurred in two post-Soviet decades. It was manifested in the demands of ethnocentrism, national-cultural autonomy, secession, as well as in the substantial growth of tension in ethnic relations, which resulted in protracted identity-based conflicts. Conflict resolution in the North Caucasus may be built on the principles of civic solidarity and socio-political integration but not on the assimilation policy and suppression of ethnicities.
Repetitive Behaviours and Restricted Interests in Individuals with Down Syndrome—One Way of Managing Their World?
Authors: Glenn Sheila
Published: June 2017

This paper argues that the repetitive behaviour and restrictive interests (RBRI) displayed by individuals with Down syndrome have mostly positive functions. However, as research has developed from interests in Obsessional Compulsive Disorder or Autistic Spectrum Disorder, unfortunately a view has arisen that RBRI in individuals with Down syndrome are also likely to be pathological. This is particularly the case in adults. The paper reviews: (a) measures employed and the perspectives that have been used; (b) the development in typically developing individuals, those with Down syndrome, and those with other conditions associated with intellectual disability; (c) positive and possible negative effects of RBRI; and (d) the need for more research. The conclusion is that, for their level of development, RBRI are helpful for most individuals with Down syndrome.
The Effect of Preventive Agents (Mouthwashes/Gels) on the Color Stability of Dental Resin-Based Composite Materials
Authors: Al-Samadani Khalid
Published: June 2017

The color of dental restorative material should be maintained throughout its functional lifetime in an oral environment. However, the frequent use of mouthwash may affect the color stability of these composite restorations. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of using various mouthwashes on the color stability of various dental restorative composite materials. For this purpose, four mouthwashes/gels (Flocare gel (0.4% stannous fluoride), Pascal gel (topical APF fluoride), Pro-Relief mouthwash (sodium fluoride), and Plax Soin mouthwash (sodium fluoride)), and distilled water as a control, were selected. These were divided into five groups: Group 1: Flocare gel; Group 2: Pascal gel; Group 3: Pro-Relief mouthwash; Group 4: Plax Soin mouthwash; and Group 5: distilled water (control). Prepared restorative materials samples were immersed in the groups of mouthwashes/gels and the distilled water (control) for 24, 48, and 72 h. The discoloration that all materials exhibited with all immersion groups was significantly different at each of the three time periods for all groups (p < 0.05). Results from immersion in Flocare gel, Pascal gel, Pro-Relief mouthwash, and Plax Soin mouthwash were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The color change chroma was not significant for Pro-Relief and Plax Soin mouthwash (p > 0.05). Mouthwashes/gels affect color shifting for all composite resin materials, and changes are exaggerated over time. However, discoloration effects are not perceptible to the human eye.
An Enhanced Set-Membership PNLMS Algorithm with a Correntropy Induced Metric Constraint for Acoustic Channel Estimation
Authors: Jin Zhan , Li Yingsong , Wang Yanyan
Published: June 2017

In this paper, a sparse set-membership proportionate normalized least mean square (SM-PNLMS) algorithm integrated with a correntropy induced metric (CIM) penalty is proposed for acoustic channel estimation and echo cancellation. The CIM is used for constructing a new cost function within the kernel framework. The proposed CIM penalized SM-PNLMS (CIMSM-PNLMS) algorithm is derived and analyzed in detail. A desired zero attraction term is put forward in the updating equation of the proposed CIMSM-PNLMS algorithm to force the inactive coefficients to zero. The performance of the proposed CIMSM-PNLMS algorithm is investigated for estimating an underwater communication channel estimation and an echo channel. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed CIMSM-PNLMS algorithm converges faster and provides a smaller estimation error in comparison with the NLMS, PNLMS, IPNLMS, SM-PNLMS and zero-attracting SM-PNLMS (ZASM-PNLMS) algorithms.
A Non-Ventilated Solar Façade Concept Based on Selective and Transparent Insulation Material Integration: An Experimental Study
Authors: Čekon Miroslav , Slávik Richard
Published: June 2017

A new solar façade concept based on transparent insulation and a selective absorber is proposed, tested and compared with conventional insulation and a non-selective type of absorber, respectively. The presented study focuses on an experimental non-ventilated solar type of façade exposed to solar radiation both in the laboratory and in outdoor tests. Due to the high solar absorbance level of the façade, high- and low-emissivity contributions were primarily analysed. All of the implemented materials were contrasted from the thermal and optical point of view. An analysis was made of both thermodynamic and steady state procedures affecting the proposed solar façade concept. Experimental full scale tests on real building components were additionally involved during summer monitoring. An indicator of the temperature response generated by solar radiation exposure demonstrates the outdoor performance of the façade is closely related to overheating phenomena. From the thermal point of view, the proposed transparent insulation and selective absorber concept corresponds to the performance of conventional thermal insulation of identical material thickness; however, the non-selective prototype only provides 50% thermal performance. The results of the solar-based experiments show that with a small-scale experimental prototype, approximately no significant difference is measured when compared with a non-selective absorber type. The only difference was achieved at the maximum of 2.5 K, when the lower temperature was obtained in the solar selective concept. At the full-scale outdoor mode, the results indicate a maximum of 3.0 K difference, however the lower temperature achieves a non-selective approach. This solar façade can actively contribute to the thermal performance of building components during periods of heating.
Erratum: Michael A. Picker; et al.; H-NS, Its Family Members and Their Regulation of Virulence Genes in Shigella Species. Genes 2016, 7, 112
Authors: Picker Michael , Wing Helen
Published: June 2017

The authors wish to make the following change to their paper [1]. [...]
Aquaponics in Urban Agriculture: Social Acceptance and Urban Food Planning
Authors: Pollard Georgia , Ward James , Koth Barbara
Published: June 2017

Aquaponics is emerging as a novel technology with particular potential for urban agriculture (UA). The social acceptance of aquaponics and its place in urban food planning has not previously been studied. This study used focus groups, key informant interviews, and scenario analyses to investigate the reactions of Adelaide’s urban food opinion leaders and local government area (LGA) officials to aquaponics. Most of the focus group participants were unfamiliar with aquaponics. The perceived negatives of the technology received greater attention than the perceived benefits. Aquaponics was thought to be most competitive in either niche or wholesale markets, with a need for scaled guidelines from backyard to large-scale commercial production. For aquaponics in urban settings the influence of urban planning and policy is an important, but to date unstudied, consideration. The urban growers’ opinions of the overcomplicated nature of urban food planning corresponded with the mixed policy responses of the LGAs towards UA. This further supports the participants’ desire for a supportive State Government stance on UA to encourage consistency in LGAs.
Urban Ecological Security Simulation and Prediction Using an Improved Cellular Automata (CA) Approach—A Case Study for the City of Wuhan in China
Authors: Gao Yuan , Zhang Chuanrong , He Qingsong , Liu Yaolin
Published: June 2017

Ecological security is an important research topic, especially urban ecological security. As highly populated eco-systems, cities always have more fragile ecological environments. However, most of the research on urban ecological security in literature has focused on evaluating current or past status of the ecological environment. Very little literature has carried out simulation or prediction of future ecological security. In addition, there is even less literature exploring the urban ecological environment at a fine scale. To fill-in the literature gap, in this study we simulated and predicted urban ecological security at a fine scale (district level) using an improved Cellular Automata (CA) approach. First we used the pressure-state-response (PSR) method based on grid-scale data to evaluate urban ecological security. Then, based on the evaluation results, we imported the geographically weighted regression (GWR) concept into the CA model to simulate and predict urban ecological security. We applied the improved CA approach in a case study—simulating and predicting urban ecological security for the city of Wuhan in Central China. By comparing the simulated ecological security values from 2010 using the improved CA model to the actual ecological security values of 2010, we got a relatively high value of the kappa coefficient, which indicates that this CA model can simulate or predict well future development of ecological security in Wuhan. Based on the prediction results for 2020, we made some policy recommendations for each district in Wuhan.
Osteoblast Role in Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Corrado Addolorata , Maruotti Nicola , Cantatore Francesco
Published: June 2017

Alterations in osteoblast growth, differentiation and activity play a role in the pathogenesis of several rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritides, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. In fact, in these rheumatic diseases, abnormal activity of Wnt signaling, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK)-RANK ligand (RANKL)-osteoprotegerin (OPG) signaling, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) pathway and other mechanisms have been described in osteoblasts. This review article is focused on current knowledge on the role of osteoblast dysregulation occurring in rheumatic diseases.
Hormesis and Defense of Infectious Disease
Authors: Weis Sebastian , Rubio Ignacio , Ludwig Kristin , Weigel Cynthia , Jentho Elisa
Published: June 2017

Infectious diseases are a global health burden and remain associated with high social and economic impact. Treatment of affected patients largely relies on antimicrobial agents that act by directly targeting microbial replication. Despite the utility of host specific therapies having been assessed in previous clinical trials, such as targeting the immune response via modulating the cytokine release in sepsis, results have largely been frustrating and did not lead to the introduction of new therapeutic tools. In this article, we will discuss current evidence arguing that, by applying the concept of hormesis, already approved pharmacological agents could be used therapeutically to increase survival of patients with infectious disease via improving disease tolerance, a defense mechanism that decreases the extent of infection-associated tissue damage without directly targeting pathogenic microorganisms.
Autocrine Human Growth Hormone Promotes Invasive and Cancer Stem Cell-Like Behavior of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by STAT3 Dependent Inhibition of CLAUDIN-1 Expression
Authors: Chen Yi-Jun , You Ming-Liang , Chong Qing-Yun , Pandey Vijay , Zhuang Qiu-Shi , Liu Dong-Xu , Ma Lan , Zhu Tao , Lobie Peter
Published: June 2017

Despite progress in diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the clinical outcome is still unsatisfactory. Increased expression of human growth hormone (hGH) in HCC has been reported and is associated with poor survival outcome in HCC patients. Herein, we investigated the mechanism of the oncogenic effects of hGH in HCC cell lines. In vitro functional assays demonstrated that forced expression of hGH in these HCC cell lines promoted cell proliferation, cell survival, anchorage-independent growth, cell migration, and invasion, as previously reported. In addition, forced expression of hGH promoted cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties of HCC cells. The increased invasive and CSC-like properties of HCC cells with forced expression of hGH were mediated by inhibition of the expression of the tight junction component CLAUDIN-1. Consistently, depletion of CLAUDIN-1 expression increased the invasive and CSC-like properties of HCC cell lines. Moreover, forced expression of CLAUDIN-1 abrogated the acquired invasive and CSC-like properties of HCC cell lines with forced expression of hGH. We further demonstrated that forced expression of hGH inhibited CLAUDIN-1 expression in HCC cell lines via signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mediated inhibition of CLAUDIN-1 transcription. Hence, we have elucidated a novel hGH-STAT3-CLAUDIN-1 axis responsible for invasive and CSC-like properties in HCC. Inhibition of hGH should be considered as a therapeutic option to hinder progression and relapse of HCC.
Evolving Identification of Blood Cells Associated with Clinically Isolated Syndrome: Importance of Time since Clinical Presentation and Diagnostic MRI
Authors: Trend Stephanie , Jones Anderson , Geldenhuys Sian , Byrne Scott , Fabis-Pedrini Marzena , Nolan David , Booth David , Carroll William , Lucas Robyn , Kermode Allan , Hart Prue
Published: June 2017

It is not clear how the profile of immune cells in peripheral blood differs between patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and healthy controls (HC). This study aimed to identify a CIS peripheral blood signature that may provide clues for potential immunomodulatory approaches early in disease. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from 18 people with CIS, 19 HC and 13 individuals with other demyelinating conditions (ODC) including multiple sclerosis (MS). Individuals with CIS separated into two groups, namely those with early (≤14 days post-diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); n = 6) and late (≥27 days; n = 12) blood sampling. Transitional B cells were increased in the blood of CIS patients independently of when blood was taken. However, there were two time-dependent effects found in the late CIS group relative to HC, including decreased CD56bright NK cells, which correlated significantly with time since MRI, and increased CD141+ myeloid dendritic cell (mDC2) frequencies. Higher CD1c+ B cells and lower non-classical monocyte frequencies were characteristic of more recent demyelinating disease activity (ODC and early CIS). Analysing cell populations by time since symptoms (subjective) and diagnostic MRI (objective) may contribute to understanding CIS.
3-Homogeneous Groups and Block-Transitive 7–(v, k, 3) Designs
Authors: Liao Xiaolian , Chen Guohua , Li Shangzhao
Published: June 2017

The classification of a block-transitive designs is an important subject on algebraic combinatorics. With the aid of MATLAB software, using the classification theorem of 3-homogeneous permutation groups, we look at the classification problem of block-transitive 7–(v, k, 3) design and prove our main theorem: If the automorphism group of a 7–(v, k, 3) design is block-transitive, then it is neither isomorphic to Affine Type Groups nor Almost Simple Type Groups.
Crellasterones A and B: A-Norsterol Derivatives from the New Caledonian Sponge Crella incrustans
Authors: Ragini Kavita , Piggott Andrew , Karuso Peter
Published: June 2017

Two new steroids, crellasterones A (1) and B (2), together with the previously reported compound chalinasterol (3) and several nucleosides (4–7), were isolated from the sponge Crella incrustans, collected in New Caledonia. The structures of the new compounds were established by extensive NMR and mass spectroscopic analysis and revealed unprecedented marine natural products with a ring-contracted A-norsterone nucleus and 2-hydroxycyclopentenone chromophore. The absolute configurations were derived from electronic circular dichroism (ECD) measurements in conjunction with high-level density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
Chondroitin Sulfate-Rich Extract of Skate Cartilage Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Liver Damage in Mice
Authors: Song Yeong , Kim Mijeong , Woo Minji , Baek Jang-Mi , Kang Keon-Hee , Kim Sang-Ho , Roh Seong-Soo , Park Chan , Jeong Kap-Seop , Noh Jeong-Sook
Published: June 2017

The protective effects of a chondroitin sulfate-rich extract (CSE) from skate cartilage against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hepatic damage were investigated, and its mechanism of action was compared with that of chondroitin sulfate (CS) from shark cartilage. ICR mice were orally administrated 200 mg/kg body weight (BW) of CS or 400 mg/kg BW of CSE for 3 consecutive days, followed by a one-time intraperitoneal injection of LPS (20 mg/kg BW). The experimental groups were vehicle treatment without LPS injection (NC group), vehicle treatment with LPS injection (LPS group), CS pretreatment with LPS injection (CS group), and CSE pretreatment with LPS injection (CSE group). Hepatic antioxidant enzyme expression levels in the CS and CSE groups were increased relative to those in the LPS group. In LPS-insulted hepatic tissue, inflammatory factors were augmented relative to those in the NC group, but were significantly suppressed by pretreatment with CS or CSE. Moreover, CS and CSE alleviated the LPS-induced apoptotic factors and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). In addition, CS and CSE effectively decreased the serum lipid concentrations and downregulated hepatic sterol regulatory element-binding proteins expression. In conclusion, the skate CSE could protect against LPS-induced hepatic dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, probably through the regulation of MAPK signaling.
Robotic Nd:YAG Fiber Laser Welding of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Köse Ceyhun , Karaca Engin
Published: June 2017

In the present study, Ti6Al4V titanium alloy plates were joined using a robotic fiber laser welding method. The laser welding process was carried out at two different welding speeds. Effects of different heat input conditions on the microstructure and mechanical properties of robotic fiber laser welded joints were investigated. Some grain coarsening was observed in the microstructure of weld metal in samples joined using high heat input, compared to those using low heat input, and volume rates of primary α structures increased in the weld metal. The microstructure of weld metal in samples joined using low heat input was made of basket-weave or acicular α' grains and primary β grains in grain boundaries. Tensile and yield strength of samples joined using low heat input were higher than for those joined using high heat input, but their ductility was lower.
Protein Hydrolysates as Promoters of Non-Haem Iron Absorption
Authors: Li Yanan , Jiang Han , Huang Guangrong
Published: June 2017

Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient for human growth and health. Organic iron is an excellent iron supplement due to its bioavailability. Both amino acids and peptides improve iron bioavailability and absorption and are therefore valuable components of iron supplements. This review focuses on protein hydrolysates as potential promoters of iron absorption. The ability of protein hydrolysates to chelate iron is thought to be a key attribute for the promotion of iron absorption. Iron-chelatable protein hydrolysates are categorized by their absorption forms: amino acids, di- and tri-peptides and polypeptides. Their structural characteristics, including their size and amino acid sequence, as well as the presence of special amino acids, influence their iron chelation abilities and bioavailabilities. Protein hydrolysates promote iron absorption by keeping iron soluble, reducing ferric iron to ferrous iron, and promoting transport across cell membranes into the gut. We also discuss the use and relative merits of protein hydrolysates as iron supplements.
TrackCC: A Practical Wireless Indoor Localization System Based on Less-Expensive Chips
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Zheng Yan , Cai Jun , Yi Yunfei
Published: June 2017

This paper aims at proposing a new wireless indoor localization system (ILS), called TrackCC, based on a commercial type of low-power system-on-chip (SoC), nRF24LE1. This type of chip has only l output power levels and acute fluctuation for a received minimum power level in operation, which give rise to many practical challenges for designing localization algorithms. In order to address these challenges, we exploit the Markov theory to construct a ( l + 1 ) × ( l + 1 ) -sized state transition matrix to remove the fluctuation, and then propose a priority-based pattern matching algorithm to search for the most similar match in the signal map to estimate the real position of unknown nodes. The experimental results show that, compared to two existing wireless ILSs, LANDMARC and SAIL, which have meter level positioning accuracy, the proposed TrackCC can achieve the decimeter level accuracy on average in both line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) senarios.
Study of a Compression-Molding Process for Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diode Exposure Systems via Finite-Element Analysis
Authors: Wu Kuo-Tsai , Hwang Sheng-Jye , Lee Huei-Huang
Published: June 2017

Although wafer-level camera lenses are a very promising technology, problems such as warpage with time and non-uniform thickness of products still exist. In this study, finite element simulation was performed to simulate the compression molding process for acquiring the pressure distribution on the product on completion of the process and predicting the deformation with respect to the pressure distribution. Results show that the single-gate compression molding process significantly increases the pressure at the center of the product, whereas the multi-gate compressing molding process can effectively distribute the pressure. This study evaluated the non-uniform thickness of product and changes in the process parameters through computer simulations, which could help to improve the compression molding process.
A Study on the Model of Detecting the Liquid Level of Sealed Containers Based on Kirchhoff Approximation Theory
Authors: Zhang Bin , Song Wen-Ai , Wei Yue-Juan , Zhang Dong-Song , Liu Wen-Yi
Published: June 2017

By simulating the sound field of a round piston transducer with the Kirchhoff integral theorem and analyzing the shape of ultrasound beams and propagation characteristics in a metal container wall, this study presents a model for calculating the echo sound pressure by using the Kirchhoff paraxial approximation theory, based on which and according to different ultrasonic impedance between gas and liquid media, a method for detecting the liquid level from outside of sealed containers is proposed. Then, the proposed method is evaluated through two groups of experiments. In the first group, three kinds of liquid media with different ultrasonic impedance are used as detected objects; the echo sound pressure is calculated by using the proposed model under conditions of four sets of different wall thicknesses. The changing characteristics of the echo sound pressure in the entire detection process are analyzed, and the effects of different ultrasonic impedance of liquids on the echo sound pressure are compared. In the second group, taking water as an example, two transducers with different radii are selected to measure the liquid level under four sets of wall thickness. Combining with sound field characteristics, the influence of different size transducers on the pressure calculation and detection resolution are discussed and analyzed. Finally, the experimental results indicate that measurement uncertainly is better than ±5 mm, which meets the industrial inspection requirements.