bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yeniçerilerin Esnaflaşmasında Orducu Görevinin Rolüne Dair Bazı Tespitler
Authors: ÇELİK Bülent
Published: June 2019

Osmanlı Devleti’nde devletin kuruluşundan
beri askeri faaliyetler her zaman için önemli olmuştur. Yeniçeri Ocağı, Tımar
Sistemi gibi askeri kurumlar, Osmanlı Devleti’nin en önemli kurumlarından
bazıları olarak bu türden faaliyetlerde yer almışlar ve askeri alanda oldukça
başarılı örnekler sergilemişlerdir. Özellikle yeniçerilerin XVI. yüzyılın
ortalarından itibaren kuruluş yıllarında sahip olduğu geleneksel özellik ve
kuralların dışına taşarak değişiklik ve farklılıklar göstermesi, günümüzde
Osmanlı Devleti’nin askerlik alanındaki “gerilemesinin önemli bir başlığı
olarak ele alınmaktadır. Başlangıçta bu değişiklikleri ve yeniçerilerin
özellikle esnaf loncalarına dâhil olmalarını hoş karşılamayan devlet, sonraki
yıllarda bu durumu kabullenmiş gibidir. Bir yüzyıl sonra, XVII. yüzyılın ortalarında,
pek çok esnaf loncasında yeniçerilere rastlamak artık olağan bir hal almıştı.
Bu işbirliği hem yeniçeriler hem de loncalar için avantajlı olmuşa
benzemektedir. Yeniçeriler enflasyon nedeniyle değeri düşen maaşlarını loncadan
aldıkları gelirle dengelemişler, loncalar da özellikle XVII. yüzyılda Osmanlı
Devleti’nin Batı ile ticari etkileşiminin artması nedeniyle uğrayabilecekleri
ticari zararlara karşı ocağın siyasi gücünü arkalarına almışlardı. Bu iki
farklı grup ise birbirlerini özellikle seferlerde gözlemlemişlerdi. Yeniçeriler
ve diğer askeri grupların yanı sıra seferlerde Osmanlı askerlerinin başta
beslenme, giyim, sağlık-sağlığa uygunluk, silah donanımlarının tamiri ve bakımı
gibi ihtiyaçlarını gören ve “orducu esnafı” olarak adlandırılan lonca üyeleri
de yer almaktaydılar. Yeniçeri ve lonca üyeleri arasında sefer boyunca ve
sonrasında da devam eden iletişim bu ekonomik ve siyasi ortaklığı doğurmuştur.
Yeniçeri ve esnaf teşekküllerinin yan yana var olduğu tüm Osmanlı kentlerinde
bu grup arasındaki etkileşim ve işbirliği az ya da çok oranda görülmektedir. Bu
çalışmanın amacı, kaldırılışına kadar Yeniçeri Ocağı ile esnaf loncaları
arasındaki işbirliğini bazı Osmanlı arşiv belgelerinden tespit etmek ve bunun
Osmanlı kent ve siyasi yaşamını şekillendirdiğini göstermektir.
ATATÜRK’ÜN BALIKESİR ZİYARETLERİ
Authors: ARSLAN Recep
Published: June 2019

Gazi
Mustafa Kemal Paşa Cumhuriyet rejiminin kökleşmesi, yapılan reformların halka
tanıtılması ve ekonomik gelişmelerin yerinde incelenmesi için yurt gezilerine
çıkmıştır.  Gazi Paşa bu seyahatleri
vesilesiyle Balıkesir’i de yedi defa ziyaret etmiştir. 1938 yılında Savarona
Yatı’nın Erdek kıyısında demirlemesi de Balıkesir ziyareti olarak
değerlendirilirse, Gazi Paşa’nın sekiz defa Balıkesir’i şereflendirdiği de
söylenebilir. 1923’te Gazi Paşa Anadolu Müdefaa-i Hukuk Cemiyeti’nin siyasi
partiye dönüştürülmesi öncesinde halk ile iletişime geçmek ve orduyu teftiş
etmek istemiştir. Gazi bu amaçla Batı Anadolu gezisine çıkmıştır. Gazi Paşa bu
gezi kapsamında Balıkesir’e de gelmiştir. Mustafa Kemal Balıkesir’e ikinci
ziyaretini 8- 10 Ekim 1925 tarihleri arasında ve üçüncü ziyaretini 13- 15
Haziran 1926 tarihleri arasında gerçekleşmiştir. Gazi Paşa Balıkesir’e dördüncü
defa 7- 8 Şubat 1931 tarihlerinde ve beşinci kez 21- 22 Ocak 1933 tarihlerinde
gelmiştir. Gazi Paşa Balıkesir’e altıncı ziyaretini 15- 16 Nisan 1934’te ve
yedinci ziyaretini 24- 25 Haziran 1934 tarihlerinde gerçekleştirmiş ve Gazi’ye
bu gezisinde İran Şahı Rıza Pehlevi eşlik etmiştir. Bu makalenin
hazırlanmasında tetkik eserlerden, hatıratlardan ve süreli yayınlardan istifade
edilmiştir. Bu çalışma ile Atatürk’ün yurt gezilerine yönelik yapılan
araştırmalara küçük de olsa bir katkı sağlamak hedeflenmiştir.
OSMANLI DÖNEMİ’NDE FAALİYETLERİNİ SÜRDÜREN İZMİR’DEKİ GAYRİMÜSLİM HASTANELERİ
Authors: OCAK Başak
Published: June 2019

Asırlar
boyunca önemli bir liman kenti olan İzmir, ticari hacmi ve nüfusu arttıkça daha
fazla sağlık sorunları ile karşılaşmıştır. Yabancıların sık sık uğradığı bu
kent, onlar tarafından taşınan birçok salgın ve bulaşıcı hastalığa maruz
kalmıştır. Bu durum, hastalıklarla mücadele edebilmek için sağlık kurumlarının
inşa edilmesini gerekli kılmıştır. Bu kozmopolit kentte, sağlık hizmetlerini
üstlenen kurumlar da ilk olarak gayrimüslimler tarafından inşa edilmiştir. Buna
karşın Türkler; ancak, 19. yüzyılda kendi hastanelerini açmak için girişimde
bulunmuştur. İster Türklere ait olsun ister gayrimüslimlere, kentteki tüm
hastaneler, başta kendi toplulukları olmak üzere, her milletten hastalara
kapılarını açmıştır. Hastanelerden birçoğu, 1922 yılındaki büyük yangından
zarar görerek faaliyetlerine son vermişler ve Cumhuriyet Dönemi’ni
görememişlerdir.
PENGARUH DIMENSI COMPUTER SELF EFFICACY (CSE) TERHADAP PRESTASI AKADEMIK MAHASISWA
Authors: Bunyamin Muhammad , Sauda Siti
Published: June 2019

Penilaian kapabilitas atau kemampuan seseorang dalam pemanfaatan teknologi informasi merupakan konsep dasar dari Computer Self Efficacy (CSE). CSE juga merupakan bagian dari prediktor yang penting bagi mahasiswa untuk mempelajari dan menggunakan sistem komputer. CSE mempunyai tiga dimensi yaitu Computer Based Skills, Media Reated Skills, dan Web Based Skills. Dengan demikian dapat dikatakan CSE dapat mempengaruhi prestasi akademik mahasiswa yang mempelajari sistem komputer (mahasasiswa ilmu komputer). Dengan pedekatan Structural Equation Modeling, penelitian ini menunjukkan, yang memiliki pengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap prestasi akademik mahasiswa adalah Computer Based Skills dan Web Based Skills, akan tetapi Media Reated Skills tidak mempengaruhi prestasi akademik mahasiswa.
MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN GURU KELAS MELAKSANAKAN PEMBELAJARAN PAKEM MELALUI KEGIATAN LESSON STUDY DI SD BINAAN KECAMATAN PASIR PENYU
Authors: Juliati Juliati
Published: June 2019

This research is motivated by the still weak ability of class teachers in carrying out classroom learning. The purpose of this research is to increase the ability of teachers to carry out classroom learning. The model used in this study is Lesson Study. This research was carried out in a built elementary school located in Pasir Penyu District. The design of this study uses school action research which consists of 2 cycles. The results of the research on the ability of teachers to carry out learning based on observations obtained an average score of 67 in the category C (Enough) / Not Completed in Cycles I and 73 were in category B (Good) / Completed in Cycle II. There was an increase in the average score by 6 points from Cycle I to Cycle II. With the results obtained, it can be said that with lesson study can improve the ability of teachers to carry out active, creative, effective, and enjoyable learning for the Elementary School teachers in Pasir Penyu District, Indragiri Hulu Regency.
La integración de los migrantes en Chile. Asimilación y retórica multiculturalista
Authors: Torres Matus Leonora Rocío ,   Universidad Pontificia de Comillas
Published: June 2019

En este artículo exploraremos las dificultades y contradicciones en el uso y análisis del concepto de integración de los migrantes internacionales en Chile. A nivel político se utiliza la variante de la asimilación, mientras que desde la retórica se habla de multiculturalismo. Desde las Ciencias Sociales advierten de lo complejo del concepto mismo, por sus implicancias en el uso de conceptos como sinónimos (pluralismo cultural, multiculturalismo, integración) en las políticas públicas y en los proyectos de ley en la materia, que también involucra otras minorías en el país.
The Correlations between Microfinance Participation and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Rural Bangladesh: Economic Disempowerment and Deteriorating Social Health in Rural Women
Authors: Afzal Muhammad Hassan Bin
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study is to examine and understand the multifaceted relationship between participation in rural microfinance programs and intimate partner violence (IPV) for Bangladeshi women. The stern negative socioeconomic impacts of IPV on Bangladeshi rural women have been recognized and addressed in a growing number of case studies and analyses. This study finds that membership in microfinance loan programs in rural areas results in reduced IPV in the household. Furthermore, when the husband/partner is more educated and the wife has more decision-making ability in the household and used birth control last year, the IPV instances reduced significantly in that household. This study uses the 2014 Bangladeshi Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) implemented by the National Institute for Population Research and Training (NIPORT). We find that membership in microfinance loan programs and husbands’ level of education and birth control usage associates with reduced IPV in the household.
Melatonin Prevents Oxidative Stress-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Apoptosis in High Glucose-Treated Schwann Cells via Upregulation of Bcl2, NF-κB, mTOR, Wnt Signalling Pathways
Authors: Tiong Yee Lian , Ng Khuen Yen , Koh Rhun Yian , Ponnudurai Gnanajothy , Chye Soi Moi
Published: June 2019

Neuropathy is a complication that affects more than 50% of long-standing diabetic patients. One of the causes of diabetes neuropathy (DN) is the apoptosis of Schwann cells due to prolonged exposure to high glucose and build-up of oxidative stress. Melatonin is a hormone that has a known antioxidant property. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of melatonin on high glucose-induced Schwann cells’ apoptosis. Our results revealed that high glucose promoted apoptosis via mitochondrial-related oxidative stress and downregulated Bcl-2 family proteins in Schwann cells. In this signalling pathway, Bcl-2, Bcl-XL and Mcl-1 proteins were down-regulated while p-BAD and Puma proteins were up-regulated by high glucose treatment. Besides, we also proved that high glucose promoted apoptosis in Schwann cells through decreasing the p-NF-κB in the NF-κB signalling pathway. Key regulators of mTOR signalling pathway such as p-mTOR, Rictor and Raptor were also down-regulated after high glucose treatment. Additionally, high glucose treatment also decreased the Wnt signalling pathway downstream proteins (Wnt 5a/b, p-Lrp6 and Axin). Our results showed that melatonin treatment significantly inhibited high glucose-induced ROS generation, restored mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibited high glucose-induced apoptosis in Schwann cells. Furthermore, melatonin reversed the alterations of protein expression caused by high glucose treatment. Our results concluded that melatonin alleviates high glucose-induced apoptosis in Schwann cells through mitigating mitochondrial-related oxidative stress and the alterations of Bcl-2, NF-κB, mTOR and Wnt signalling pathways.
Stochastic Traffic-Based Fatigue Life Assessment of Rib-to-Deck Welding Joints in Orthotropic Steel Decks with Thickened Edge U-Ribs
Authors: Heng Junlin , Zheng Kaifeng , Kaewunruen Sakdirat , Baniotopoulos Charalampos
Published: June 2019

Rib-to-deck (RD) joints in orthotropic steel decks (OSDs) are highly prone to fatigue cracking under heavy traffic. An innovative longitudinal rib, named the thickened edge U-rib (TEU), has been proposed to enhance the fatigue strength of RD joints and validated through model tests. However, more studies are still required on the effect of TEUs in real engineering applications. To this end, a typical OSD bridge in China has been investigated, based on the experimental results. In the analysis, a stochastic traffic model is employed to simulate the vehicle-induced fatigue actions comprehensively. The framework of the stochastic model is proposed by considering the randomness in both the vehicles and their lateral distribution. Then the traffic model is instantiated using standard truck models in conjunction with the codes of practice as well as the observed data. A multi-scale finite element model is later established to determine the stochastic stress responses, whereas the influence surface method is used to improve computational efficiency. In this study, Monte Carlo simulations have been carried out to derive the stress spectra for the RD joints at different critical locations. Based on the test data and the derived spectra, an engineering assessment has been performed to obtain the fatigue life of RD joints in OSDs with and without TEUs, respectively. The new findings show that the position of joints has a remarkable influence on the stress spectra of RD joints, which results in the notable difference in fatigue life of the joints. Further, the fatigue life of RD joints can be significantly prolonged by using TEUs, and the prolongation rates are varied from 141% to 161% depending on the calculation methods and traffic models used.
Fracture Resistance of Monolithic Zirconia Crowns on Four Occlusal Convergent Abutments in Implant Prosthesis
Authors: Lan Ting-Hsun , Pan Chin-Yun , Liu Pao-Hsin , Chou Mitch M.C.
Published: June 2019

Adjusting implant abutment for crown delivery is a common practice during implant installation. The purpose of this study was to compare the fracture resistance and stress distribution of zirconia specimens on four occlusal surface areas of implant abutment. Four implant abutment designs [occlusal surface area (SA) SA100, SA75, SA50, and SA25] with 15 zirconia prostheses over the molar area per group were prepared for cyclic loading with 5 Hz, 300 N in a servo-hydraulic testing machine until fracture or automatic stoppage after 30,000 counts. The minimum occlusal thickness of all specimens was 0.5 mm. Four finite element models were simulated under vertical or oblique 10-degree loading to analyze the stress distribution and peak value of zirconia specimens. Data were statistically analyzed, and fracture patterns were observed under a scanning electron microscope. Cyclic loading tests revealed that specimen breakage had moderately strong correlation with the abutment occlusal area (r = 0.475). Specimen breakage differed significantly among the four groups (P = 0.001). The lowest von Mises stress value was measured for prosthesis with a smallest abutment occlusal surface area (SA25) and the thickest zirconia crown. Thicker zirconia specimens (SA25) had higher fracture resistance and lowest stress values under 300 N loading.
Fast Multi-Objective Antenna Optimization Based on RBF Neural Network Surrogate Model Optimized by Improved PSO Algorithm
Authors: Dong Jian , Li Yingjuan , Wang Meng
Published: June 2019

In this paper, a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) surrogate model optimized by an improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is developed to reduce the computation cost of traditional antenna design methods which rely on high-fidelity electromagnetic (EM) simulations. Considering parameters adjustment and update mechanism simultaneously, two modifications are proposed in this improved PSO. First, time-varying learning factors are designed to balance exploration and exploitation ability of particles in the search space. Second, the local best information is added to the updating process of particles except for personal and global best information for better population diversity. The improved PSO is applied to train RBFNN for determining optimal network parameters. As a result, the constructed improved PSO-RBFNN model can be used as a surrogate model for antenna performance prediction with better network generalization capability. By integrating the improved PSO-RBFNN surrogate model with multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs), a fast multi-objective antenna optimization framework for multi-parameter antenna structures is then established. Finally, a Pareto-optimal planar miniaturized multiband antenna design is presented, demonstrating that the proposed model provides better prediction performance and considerable computational savings compared to those previously published approaches.
Imperfect Data, Art Markets and Internet Research
Authors: Van Miegroet Hans J. , Alexander Kaylee P. , Leunissen Fiene
Published: June 2019

The sheer volume of data generated on the Internet has reached unprecedented numerical heights and has enabled new data-driven methodologies to study art and its markets. Yet, this type of data-driven research has also generated several unexpected methodological constraints for art markets researchers, particularly due to informational asymmetry. This observation is related to how various players on the Internet make data available, as well as summarize, transmit, gather, and access those data globally. It is not our ambition to present another historiography of art markets research, past and present. Rather, and in keeping with the theme of this special issue, we would like to focus on a few key constraints related to data-driven, contemporary art markets research, the Internet, and the structural recurrence of imperfect data. This contribution focuses on four areas of Internet research and its methods that are particularly problematic for researchers today, namely (1) auctions and online auctions; (2) dealers and galleries; (3) art indices; and (4) art fairs.
The Painting Industries of Antwerp and Amsterdam, 1500−1700: A Data Perspective
Authors: Nijboer Harm , Brouwer Judith , Bok Marten Jan
Published: June 2019

This study presents a data driven comparative analysis of the painting industries in sixteenth and seventeenth century Antwerp and Amsterdam. The popular view of the development of these two artistic centers still holds that Antwerp flourished in the sixteenth century and was succeeded by Amsterdam after the former’s recapturing by the Spanish in 1585. However, a demographic analysis of the number of painters active in Antwerp and Amsterdam shows that Antwerp recovered relatively quickly after 1585 and that it remained the leading artistic center in the Low Countries, only to be surpassed by Amsterdam in the 1650’s. An analysis of migration patterns and social networks shows that painters in Antwerp formed a more cohesive group than painters in Amsterdam. As a result, the two cities responded quite differently to internal and external market shocks. Data for this study are taken from ECARTICO, a database and a linked data web resource containing structured biographical data on over 9100 painters working in the Low Countries until circa 1725.
Electrospun Nanofibers Embedding ZnO/Ag2CO3/Ag2O Heterojunction Photocatalyst with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Rosman Nurafiqah , Wan Salleh Wan Norharyati , Aziz Farhana , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Harun Zawati , Bahri Syamsutajri Syamsol , Nagai Kazukiyo
Published: June 2019

The immobilization of photocatalyst onto substrate has a great potential for energy-intensive separation to avoid the costly separation process and unwanted release of photocatalyst into the treated water. In this study, electrospun nanofiber composed of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with the immobilized ZnO, ZnO/Ag2CO3, ZnO/Ag2CO3/Ag2O, and ZnO/Ag2O photocatalysts were prepared via the electrospinning process. The immobilized ZnO and heterojunctioned ZnO in the PVDF electrospun nanofiber were proven via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The electrospinning allowed high chemical binding of the nanofiber composite with good physical interaction between the photocatalyst and the electrospun nanofiber. AFM images obtained for the nanofibers were found to be rougher than that of the pristine PVDF electrospun nanofiber. Among the photocatalyst embedded, the immobilized ZnO/Ag2CO3/Ag2O had endowed the nanofiber with an excellent photocatalytic activity and recyclability for the degradation of the RR120 under UV light irradiation. Based on the results, effective immobilization of ZnO/Ag2CO3/Ag2O in PVDF nanofiber with 99.62% photodegradation in 300 min compared to PVDF-ZnO, PVDF-ZnO/Ag2CO3, and PVDF-ZnO/Ag2O of 28.14%, 90.49%, and 96.34%, respectively. The effective ZnO/Ag2CO3/Ag2O immobilization into polymers with affinity toward organic dye pollutants could both increase the efficiency and reduce the energy requirements for water treatment via the photocatalytic application.
A Hybrid Scheme for an Interoperable Identity Federation System Based on Attribute Aggregation Method
Authors: EL Haddouti Samia , Dafir Ech-Cherif EL Kettani Mohamed
Published: June 2019

Several countries have invested in building their identity management systems to equip citizens with infrastructures and tools to benefit from e-services. However, current systems still lack the interoperability requirement, which is the core issue that could lower the wide benefits of having an identity management system. In fact, in the existing systems, the user is allowed to choose only one partial identity from an identity provider (IdP) during a single session with a service provider (SP). However, in some scenarios, an SP needs to retrieve information about user’s identities managed by multiple IdPs. The potential method to tackle these shortcomings is attribute aggregation from multiple identity providers. A number of initiatives and projects on attribute aggregation have been explored. Nevertheless, these constructions do not fulfill some identity management requirements. This paper describes a new flexible model that aims to provide the necessary mechanisms to ensure attribute aggregation in order to meet the interoperability challenges of current identity management systems. The proposed scheme is a scalable solution, based on identity federation technologies, that introduces a new IdP called an account linking provider (ALP). The purpose of this ALP is to link together different accounts, holding end users’ attributes, whenever more than one source of data is needed to grant access to the requested web resource in a single session. Furthermore, the proposed identity federation system is based on a streamlined, cost-effective, and interoperable architecture, which makes this model suitable for large-scale identity federation environments.
Secrecy Enhancing Scheme for Spatial Modulation Using Antenna Selection and Artificial Noise
Authors: Shang Pingping , Yu Weicheng , Zhang Kai , Jiang Xue-Qin , Kim Sooyoung
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we present a new secrecy-enhancing scheme for the spatial modulation (SM) system, by considering imperfect channel state information (CSI). In the proposed scheme, two antennas are activated at the same time. One of the activated antennas transmits information symbols along with artificial noise (AN) optimized under the imperfect CSI condition. On the other hand, the other activated antenna transmits another AN sequence. Because the AN are generated by exploiting the imperfect CSI of the legitimate channel, they can only be canceled at the legitimate receiver, while the passive eavesdropper will suffer from interference. We derive the secrecy rate of the proposed scheme in order to estimate the performance. The numerical results demonstrated in this paper verify that the proposed scheme can achieve a better secrecy rate compared to the conventional scheme at the same effective data rate.
A Centralized Route-Management Solution for Autonomous Vehicles in Urban Areas
Authors: Zambrano-Martinez Jorge Luis , Calafate Carlos T. , Soler David , Lemus-Zúñiga Lenin-Guillermo , Cano Juan-Carlos , Manzoni Pietro , Gayraud Thierry
Published: June 2019

Currently, one of the main challenges that large metropolitan areas must face is traffic congestion. To address this problem, it becomes necessary to implement an efficient solution to control traffic that generates benefits for citizens, such as reducing vehicle journey times and, consequently, environmental pollution. By properly analyzing traffic demand, it is possible to predict future traffic conditions, using this information for the optimization of the routes taken by vehicles. Such an approach becomes especially effective if applied in the context of autonomous vehicles, which have a more predictable behavior, thus enabling city management entities to mitigate the effects of traffic congestion and pollution, thereby improving the traffic flow in a city in a fully centralized manner. This paper represents a step forward towards this novel traffic management paradigm by proposing a route server capable of handling all the traffic in a city, and balancing traffic flows by accounting for present and future traffic congestion conditions. We perform a simulation study using real data of traffic congestion in the city of Valencia, Spain, to demonstrate how the traffic flow in a typical day can be improved using our proposed solution. Experimental results show that our proposed traffic prediction equation, combined with frequent updating of traffic conditions on the route server, can achieve substantial improvements in terms of average travel speeds and travel times, both indicators of lower degrees of congestion and improved traffic fluidity.
M3C: Multimodel-and-Multicue-Based Tracking by Detection of Surrounding Vessels in Maritime Environment for USV
Authors: Qiao Dalei , Liu Guangzhong , Zhang Jun , Zhang Qiangyong , Wu Gongxing , Dong Feng
Published: June 2019

It is crucial for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) to detect and track surrounding vessels in real time to avoid collisions at sea. However, the harsh maritime environment poses great challenges to multitarget tracking (MTT). In this paper, a novel tracking by detection framework that integrates the multimodel and multicue (M3C) pipeline is proposed, which aims at improving the detection and tracking performance. Regarding the multimodel, we predicted the maneuver probability of a target vessel via the gated recurrent unit (GRU) model with an attention mechanism, and fused their respective outputs as the output of a kinematic filter. We developed a hybrid affinity model based on multi cues, such as the motion, appearance, and attitude of the ego vessel in the data association stage. By using the proposed ship re-identification approach, the tracker had the capability of appearance matching via metric learning. Experimental evaluation of two public maritime datasets showed that our method achieved state-of-the-art performance, not only in identity switches (IDS) but also in frame rates.
A New Wind Power Accommodation Strategy for Combined Heat and Power System Based on Bi-Directional Conversion
Authors: Luo Yanhong , Yin Zhenxing , Yang Dongsheng , Zhou Bowen
Published: June 2019

The extensive use of wind power can not only reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but also reduce emissions of polluted gases. However, large-scale wind power curtailments often occur in northeast China during the heat supply season, due to the fact that most of electrical demand is covered by the electrical power of the combined heat and power (CHP) during the off-peak hours. At present, for northeast China with heating demand, most of the research only focuses on how to accommodate more wind power on the spot by using one-directional conversion of the electric and thermal energy. But it is still difficult to realize the bi-directional conversion between the electro-gas or electro-thermal energy. In this paper, a combined electro-gas bi-directional conversion system (CEGBCS) is established by adding the power to gas (P2G), fuel cell and heat storage device in CHP system. This CEGBCS can not only realize bi-directional conversion of the electricity and gas, but also decouple the two operation modes of CHP unit, which greatly improve the ability of system to accommodate additional wind power. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed CEGBCS is verified by comparing with two traditional methods.
Long-Term Solar Photovoltaics Penetration in Single- and Two-Family Houses in Switzerland
Authors: Panos Evangelos , Margelou Stavroula
Published: June 2019

The Swiss energy strategy aims at increasing electricity generation from solar power by 2050, to fulfil Switzerland’s commitments in the Paris Agreement. However, the market of single- and two-family houses is characterized by low return rates for excess power injected to the grid, and the installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) is sensitive to financial incentives. We assess the drivers influencing the diffusion of rooftop solar PV systems until 2050, by employing an agent-based model. An agent is a single- or two-family house, and its decision to invest depends on the economic profitability of the investment, the agent’s income, environmental benefits (injunctive social norm), awareness and knowledge about the solar PV technology, and the impact of the social network (descriptive social norm). The model includes a synthetic population of agents, statistically equivalent to the true population. We also investigate the impact of different support policies, technology learning rates, electricity prices, and discount rates on the investment decision. We find that the concept of prosumer emerges, mainly via self-consumption strategies. The diffusion process of rooftop solar PV systems in single- and two-family houses gains momentum in the future. In the near-term, PV deployment is sensitive to the profitability of the investment, while after the year 2030, peer effects play an increasing role in the agents’ investment decisions.
Understanding Community-Level Flooding Awareness in Remote Coastal Towns in Northern Chile through Community Mapping
Authors: Cubelos Carlota , Kularathna A. , Bruno Valenzuela Ven , Iliopoulos Nikolaos , Quiroz Marco , Yavar Ramon , Henriquez Pedro , Bacigalupe Gonzalo , Onuki Motoharu , Mikami Takahito , Cienfuegos Rodrigo , Aranguiz Rafael , Esteban Miguel
Published: June 2019

In 2015 and 2017 unusual ocean and atmospheric conditions produced many years’ worth of rainfall in short periods over Northern Chile’s Atacama Desert, resulting in catastrophic flooding in the town of Chañaral. However, the town is not only at risk of fluvial flooding, it is also at risk of tsunamis. Through a community mapping exercise, the authors attempted to establish the level of community awareness about tsunamis, and contrasted it with that of other types of water-related hazards facing the town (namely that of flooding due to high intensity rain). This was then compared with the results of field surveys and tsunami hazard simulations, indicating than overall the community appears to have better awareness than authorities about the threat posed by these types of events. The authors thus concluded that in cases when the community has a high level of hazard awareness (which in the case of Chile was the result of traditional knowledge being transmitted from previous generations) it would be advantageous to include them in discussions on how to improve disaster resilience.
Assessment of Surface Water Resources of Eastern Iraq
Authors: Rahi Khayyun A. , Al-Madhhachi Abdul-Sahib T. , Al-Hussaini Safaa N.
Published: June 2019

Large amounts of runoff is generated in western Iran and flows into eastern Iraq due to relatively intensive rainstorms along the international border line. Currently, most of this runoff is being wasted by evaporation instead of being stored and preserved for later uses. This paper is an attempt to (1) assess and harness the water resources of eastern Iraq, and (2) propose a storage scheme to use the harvested water in the water shortage times. The runoff of eight catchment areas (Mandali, Qazania, Tursaq, Mirzabad, Galal Badra, al-Chabbab, al-Teeb, and Dwaireeg) is estimated using regression equations derived for areas in the western and southern parts of the United States of America. Several models were selected from two states based on catchment area location, average terrain elevation, average annual precipitation, and slope of main stream. Observed runoffs of Tursaq, Galal Badra, and al-Chabbab streams are analyzed using normal probability plots. Statistical analysis shows that there is no a statistically significant difference between observed and predicted runoffs for different return periods. The study proposes a water reservoir to be constructed within al-Shiwiaja Marsh to accommodate runoff generated within Mandali, Qazania, Tursaq, Mirzabad, and Galal Badra streams. The capacity of the proposed reservoir is 3000 Mm3 and the expected inflow from these streams is projected to exceed the capacity of the reservoir. The proposed reservoir will contribute to the flow of the River Tigris during the non-rainy seasons. More studies are needed to propose and design a storage scheme for two remaining streams (al-Teeb and Dwaireeg).
Dual Role of Metallic Trace Elements in Stress Biology—From Negative to Beneficial Impact on Plants
Authors: Muszyńska Ewa , Labudda Mateusz
Published: June 2019

Heavy metals are an interesting group of trace elements (TEs). Some of them are minutely required for normal plant growth and development, while others have unknown biological actions. They may cause injury when they are applied in an elevated concentration, regardless of the importance for the plant functioning. On the other hand, their application may help to alleviate various abiotic stresses. In this review, both the deleterious and beneficial effects of metallic trace elements from their uptake by roots and leaves, through toxicity, up to the regulation of physiological and molecular mechanisms that are associated with plant protection against stress conditions have been briefly discussed. We have highlighted the involvement of metallic ions in mitigating oxidative stress by the activation of various antioxidant enzymes and emphasized the phenomenon of low-dose stimulation that is caused by non-essential, potentially poisonous elements called hormesis, which is recently one of the most studied issues. Finally, we have described the evolutionary consequences of long-term exposure to metallic elements, resulting in the development of unique assemblages of vegetation, classified as metallophytes, which constitute excellent model systems for research on metal accumulation and tolerance. Taken together, the paper can provide a novel insight into the toxicity concept, since both dose- and genotype-dependent response to the presence of metallic trace elements has been comprehensively explained.
Unveiling the Interplay between the TLR4/MD2 Complex and HSP70 in the Human Cardiovascular System: A Computational Approach
Authors: de Oliveira Amanda Almeida , Faustino Josemar , de Lima Maria Elena , Menezes Ronaldo , Nunes Kenia Pedrosa
Published: June 2019

While precise mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are still not fully understood, previous studies suggest that the innate immune system, through Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), plays a crucial part in the pathways leading to these diseases, mainly because of its interplay with endogenous molecules. The Heat-shock protein 70 family (HSP70-70kDa) is of particular interest in cardiovascular tissues as it may have dual effects when interacting with TLR4 pathways. Although the hypothesis of the HSP70 family members acting as TLR4 ligands is becoming widely accepted, to date no co-crystal structure of this complex is available and it is still unknown whether this process requires the co-adaptor MD2. In this study, we aimed at investigating the interplay between the TLR4/MD2 complex and HSP70 family members in the human cardiovascular system through transcriptomic data analysis and at proposing a putative interaction model between these proteins. We report compelling evidence of correlated expression levels between TLR4 and MD2 with HSP70 cognate family members, especially in heart tissue. In our molecular docking simulations, we found that HSP70 in the ATP-bound state presents a better docking score towards the TLR4/MD2 complex compared to the ADP-bound state (−22.60 vs. −10.29 kcal/mol, respectively). Additionally, we show via a proximity ligation assay for HSP70 and TLR4, that cells stimulated with ATP have higher formation of fluorescent spots and that MD2 might be required for the complexation of these proteins. The insights provided by our computational approach are potential scaffolds for future in vivo studies investigating the interplay between the TLR4/MD2 complex and HSP70 family members in the cardiovascular system.
Whole Body Vibration-Induced Omental Macrophage Polarization and Fecal Microbiome Modification in a Murine Model
Authors: Yu Jack C. , Hale Vanessa L. , Khodadadi Hesam , Baban Babak
Published: June 2019

Human nutrient metabolism, developed millions of years ago, is anachronistic. Adaptive features that offered survival advantages are now great liabilities. The current dietary pattern, coupled with massively reduced physical activities, causes an epidemic of obesity and chronic metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. Chronic inflammation is a major contributing factor to the initiation and progression of most metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Among all components of an innate immune system, due to their dual roles as phagocytic as well as antigen-presenting cells, macrophages play an important role in the regulation of inflammatory responses, affecting the body’s microenvironment and homeostasis. Earlier studies have established the beneficial, anti-inflammatory effects of whole body vibration (WBV) as a partial exercise mimetic, including reversing the effects of glucose intolerance and hepatic steatosis. Here for the first time, we describe potential mechanisms by which WBV may improve metabolic status and ameliorate the adverse consequences through macrophage polarization and altering the fecal microbiome.
Morphological State Transition Dynamics in EGF-Induced Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Devaraj Vimalathithan , Bose Biplab
Published: June 2019

Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is a multi-state process. Here, we investigated phenotypic state transition dynamics of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)-induced EMT in a breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468. We have defined phenotypic states of these cells in terms of their morphologies and have shown that these cells have three distinct morphological states—cobble, spindle, and circular. The spindle and circular states are the migratory phenotypes. Using quantitative image analysis and mathematical modeling, we have deciphered state transition trajectories in different experimental conditions. This analysis shows that the phenotypic state transition during EGF-induced EMT in these cells is reversible, and depends upon the dose of EGF and level of phosphorylation of the EGF receptor (EGFR). The dominant reversible state transition trajectory in this system was cobble to circular to spindle to cobble. We have observed that there exists an ultrasensitive on/off switch involving phospho-EGFR that decides the transition of cells in and out of the circular state. In general, our observations can be explained by the conventional quasi-potential landscape model for phenotypic state transition. As an alternative to this model, we have proposed a simpler discretized energy-level model to explain the observed state transition dynamics.
Implication for Cancer Stem Cells in Solid Cancer Chemo-Resistance: Promising Therapeutic Strategies Based on the Use of HDAC Inhibitors
Authors: Roca Maria Serena , Di Gennaro Elena , Budillon Alfredo
Published: June 2019

Resistance to therapy in patients with solid cancers represents a daunting challenge that must be addressed. Indeed, current strategies are still not effective in the majority of patients; which has resulted in the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subset of tumor cells that possess self-renewal and multilineage differentiation potential, are known to be intrinsically resistant to anticancer treatments. In this review, we analyzed the implications for CSCs in drug resistance and described that multiple alterations in morphogenetic pathways (i.e., Hippo, Wnt, JAK/STAT, TGF-β, Notch, Hedgehog pathways) were suggested to be critical for CSC plasticity. By interrogating The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets, we first analyzed the prevalence of morphogenetic pathways alterations in solid tumors with associated outcomes. Then, by highlighting epigenetic relevance in CSC development and maintenance, we selected histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) as potential agents of interest to target this subpopulation based on the pleiotropic effects exerted specifically on altered morphogenetic pathways. In detail, we highlighted the role of HDACi in solid cancers and, specifically, in the CSC subpopulation and we pointed out some mechanisms by which HDACi are able to overcome drug resistance and to modulate stemness. Although, further clinical and preclinical investigations should be conducted to disclose the unclear mechanisms by which HDACi modulate several signaling pathways in different tumors. To date, several lines of evidence support the testing of novel combinatorial therapeutic strategies based on the combination of drugs commonly used in clinical practice and HDACi to improve therapeutic efficacy in solid cancer patients.
The Etiology of Pancreatic Manifestations in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Iida Tomoya , Wagatsuma Kohei , Hirayama Daisuke , Yokoyama Yoshihiro , Nakase Hiroshi
Published: June 2019

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an idiopathic chronic and recurrent condition that comprises Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. A pancreatic lesion is one of the extraintestinal lesions in patients with IBD. Acute pancreatitis is the representative manifestation, and various causes of pancreatitis have been reported, including those involving adverse effects of drug therapies such as 5-aminosalicylic acid and thiopurines, gall stones, gastrointestinal lesions on the duodenum, iatrogenic harm accompanying endoscopic procedures such as balloon endoscopy, and autoimmunity. Of these potential causes, autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a relatively newly recognized disease and is being increasingly diagnosed in IBD. AIP cases can be divided into type 1 cases involving lymphocytes and IgG4-positive plasma cells, and type 2 cases primarily involving neutrophils; the majority of AIP cases complicating IBD are type 2. The association between IBD and chronic pancreatitis, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, pancreatic cancer, etc. has also been suggested; however, studies with high-quality level evidence are limited, and much remains unknown. In this review, we provide an overview of the etiology of pancreatic manifestation in patients with IBD.
Metal Additive Manufacturing Cycle in Aerospace Industry: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Barroqueiro B. , Andrade-Campos A. , Valente R. A. F. , Neto V.
Published: June 2019

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is the forefront of advanced manufacturing technologies and has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing, with a dramatic change in the design and project paradigms. A comprehensive review of existent metal AM processes, processable materials, respective defects and inspection methods (destructive and non-destructive) is presented in a succinct manner. Particularly, the AM design optimization methodologies are reviewed and their threats and constraints discussed. Finally, an aerospace industry case study is presented and several cost-effective examples are enumerated.
Bank Competition, Foreign Bank Entry, and Risk-Taking Behavior: Cross Country Evidence
Authors: Chen Sichong , Nazir Muhammad Imran , Hashmi Shujahat Haider , Shaikh Ruqia
Published: June 2019

This unique study examines the interactive role of bank competition and foreign bank entry in explaining the risk-taking of banks over the globe. We used cross-country data for the banking sector from 2000 to 2016. Using the pooled regression model and Two-stage Least Squares model (2SLS with Generalized Method of Moments GMM), we document that foreign bank entry decreases the risk-taking behavior of the banks to a certain level and exhibits an inverted U-shaped relation with financial stability. Furthermore, the joint effect of bank competition and foreign bank entry brings financial fragility because host banks tend to make risky investments due to undue competition induced by foreign bank entry. We support the competition–fragility hypothesis when foreign bank entry goes beyond a certain threshold. Our results also suggest that restrictions on bank activities and capital regulation stringency reduce the level of the risk factor. We also applied various robustness tests, which further confirm our mainstream results. Our findings have policy implications for foreign investors and regulatory authorities.
CVaR Regression Based on the Relation between CVaR and Mixed-Quantile Quadrangles
Authors: Golodnikov Alex , Kuzmenko Viktor , Uryasev Stan
Published: June 2019

A popular risk measure, conditional value-at-risk (CVaR), is called expected shortfall (ES) in financial applications. The research presented involved developing algorithms for the implementation of linear regression for estimating CVaR as a function of some factors. Such regression is called CVaR (superquantile) regression. The main statement of this paper is: CVaR linear regression can be reduced to minimizing the Rockafellar error function with linear programming. The theoretical basis for the analysis is established with the quadrangle theory of risk functions. We derived relationships between elements of CVaR quadrangle and mixed-quantile quadrangle for discrete distributions with equally probable atoms. The deviation in the CVaR quadrangle is an integral. We present two equivalent variants of discretization of this integral, which resulted in two sets of parameters for the mixed-quantile quadrangle. For the first set of parameters, the minimization of error from the CVaR quadrangle is equivalent to the minimization of the Rockafellar error from the mixed-quantile quadrangle. Alternatively, a two-stage procedure based on the decomposition theorem can be used for CVaR linear regression with both sets of parameters. This procedure is valid because the deviation in the mixed-quantile quadrangle (called mixed CVaR deviation) coincides with the deviation in the CVaR quadrangle for both sets of parameters. We illustrated theoretical results with a case study demonstrating the numerical efficiency of the suggested approach. The case study codes, data, and results are posted on the website. The case study was done with the Portfolio Safeguard (PSG) optimization package, which has precoded risk, deviation, and error functions for the considered quadrangles.
A DIC-Based Study on Compressive Responses of Concrete after Exposure to Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Xiang Sheng , Zeng Lei , Zhang Jicheng , Chen Juan , Liu Yanhua , Cheng Guoyuan , Mo Jinxu
Published: June 2019

This paper provides an experimental investigation on the cracking process and residual mechanical properties of concrete after exposure to elevated temperatures. A total of 36 standard concrete prism specimens were tested after exposure to high temperatures of up to 600 °C. The failure modes, cracking process, residual mechanical properties, deformation characteristics and the strain distribution on the surface during the loading procedure were presented. The influences of exposure temperature and water–cement ratio (w/c) were interpreted. The digital image correlation (DIC) method was applied to quantitatively and visually characterize the development of cracking and relative displacement on the concrete surface. The findings suggest that the residual compressive strength and elastic modulus of the concrete decreases gradually with the increasing temperature, especially in the specimens with lower w/c ratio. The DIC technique provides an effective means to measure very precise and detailed information, including the crack opening and distribution of strain on the concrete surface.