bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solid State Lightening Component LED: Role in Modern Lightening Technology
Authors: Sharma Babu Ram
Published: October 2017

An understanding of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) technology is an investment in future prosperity. This article tries to explain the development of LED and how the development of LED lightening technology became a superior business judgment for industrial lightening.The Himalayan Physics Vol. 6 & 7, April 2017 (115-118)
Fundamental Particle and Forces
Authors: Sharma Bhumi Raj
Published: October 2017

The study of particle physics is indispensable not only to understand different branch of science but also to unleash the most profound mysteries in natures such as the mystery of the origin of the Universe. Fundamental particles and their interactions in nature come under the study of Particle Physics, which studies the physical processes that occurs at scales even smaller than atomic nuclei. This article introduces elementary particles and forces, and then focuses on a few promising and interesting area of the particle physics.The Himalayan Physics Vol. 6 & 7, 2017 (123-125)
Synthesis of Acyl Thiourea Derivatives of 7-Trifluoromethyl-2-Pyridylquinazolin-4(3H)-one as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Mistry Bhupendra M. , Shin Han-Seung , Pandurangan Muthuraman , Patel Rahul V.
Published: October 2017

A new series of 7-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridylquinazolin-4(3 H)-one-based acyl thiourea derivatives has been generated and tested for their cytotoxicity towards human ovarian cancer (SK-OV-3), cervical cancer (HeLa), renal cancer (Caki-2) cell lines, as well as noncancerous a human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) line. The new thiourea derivatives were found to be promisingly cytotoxic towards the cancerous cell lines. Changing the substituent at the thiourea linkage led to variations in the cytotoxic potential of the resultant derivatives towards specific cell lines. Molecules with fluorine functionality and multiple pyridyl moieties showed encouraging anticancer effects and could be used as a platform for the design of further chemotherapeutic agents. The proposed structures of the products were ascertained through FTIR, mass, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra and elemental analyses.
Experience of Menopause and Menopausal Transition among Middle aged Women Attending A Periurban Hospital
Authors: Tasnim Saria , Haque Md Abidul , Nazmeen Summyia
Published: October 2017

Objective (s): The objective was to explore frequency of menopause related symptoms among middle aged women and their perception about menopause,Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study carried during March to May 2013 among women aged 45-60 years at the out patient Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of a tertiary hospital using structured questionnaire. Information was sought regarding menstrual pattern, self reported menopausal symptoms and attitude towards menopausal transition. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 16.Results: Total 106 women were interviewed, The mean age of the respondents was 50.3± 53 years, and 58.5% were post menopausal and 41.5% in menopausal transition. More than half (59.4%) were illiterate, 32% were working. Common menopausal symptoms were insomnia 51.8%, body ache 44.3% and feeling sad 31.3%. Hot flush and night sweats were reported by 50% and 33% respectively. Half of them regard menopause as normal and health seeking for menopausal problems was 42.5%.Conclusion: A significant proportion of women were suffering from vasomotor and psychosomatic symptoms but most of them did not seek treatment. To ensure quality of life health needs of middle aged women should be identified and their views towards menopause incorporated in formulating services for themBangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2016; Vol. 31(1) : 10-15
Abstracts Vol.31(2)
Authors: Chowdhury Saleha Begum
Published: October 2017

Abstract not availableBangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2016; Vol. 31(2) : 107-110
Society News Vol.31(2)
Authors: Dewan Farhana
Published: October 2017

Abstract not availableBangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2016; Vol. 31(2) : 111
An Overview of the Current State of Women’s Leadership in Higher Education in Saudi Arabia and a Proposal for Future Research Directions
Authors: Alsubaie Azzah , Jones Karen
Published: October 2017

Despite the predominance of perspectives on women’s leadership, which consistently emphasize the underrepresentation of women in virtually every sphere of political and economic life in countries around the world, very little is known about women’s leadership, especially in higher education, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This has resulted in a gap in the literature, since higher education is one area of employment where Saudi women have made progress, and in spite of complex social, religious, cultural and organisational barriers, some have broken through the glass ceiling into higher education leadership. One goal of this paper is to highlight, through a synthesis of existing literature, the current state of women’s higher education leadership in Saudi Arabia. The second goal of this paper is to propose new directions for future research to address the current dearth of empirical work on women’s leadership in higher education in Saudi Arabia. This may be relevant to other regions of the Middle East and elsewhere.
Interactions of Insolation and Shading on Ability to Use Fluorescence Imaging to Detect Fecal Contaminated Spinach
Authors: Lefcourt Alan , Siemens Mark
Published: October 2017

Fecal contamination of produce in fields is a recognized food safety risk, and it is a requirement that fields be surveyed for evidence of fecal contamination. It may be possible to increase the efficacy of such surveys using imaging techniques that rely on detection of fluorescence responses of fecal material to UV excitation. However, fluorescence responses are easily masked by ambient illumination. This study investigated the potential of using a shroud to reduce the impact of ambient illumination on responses measured using relatively inexpensive optical components. During periods of near peak insolation, even with full shrouding, results indicate that reliable detection would be problematic. Towards dusk, effective imaging could be accomplished even with a gap of 250 cm at the bottom of the shroud. Results suggest that imaging using relatively inexpensive components could provide the basis for detection of fecal contamination in produce fields if surveys were conducted during dawn or dusk, or at night.
Classification of Forest Vertical Structure in South Korea from Aerial Orthophoto and Lidar Data Using an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Kwon Soo-Kyung , Jung Hyung-Sup , Baek Won-Kyung , Kim Daeseong
Published: October 2017

Every vegetation colony has its own vertical structure. Forest vertical structure is considered as an important indicator of a forest’s diversity and vitality. The vertical structure of a forest has typically been investigated by field survey, which is the traditional method of forest inventory. However, this method is very time- and cost-consuming due to poor accessibility. Remote sensing data such as satellite imagery, aerial photography, and lidar data can be a viable alternative to the traditional field-based forestry survey. In this study, we classified forest vertical structures from red-green-blue (RGB) aerial orthophotos and lidar data using an artificial neural network (ANN), which is a powerful machine learning technique. The test site was Gongju province in South Korea, which contains single-, double-, and triple-layered forest structures. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated by comparing the results with field survey data. The overall accuracy achieved was about 70%. It means that the proposed approach can classify the forest vertical structures from the aerial orthophotos and lidar data.
Pre-Arcing Time Prediction in a Making Test for a 420 kV 63 kA High-Speed Earthing Switch
Authors: Kang Min-Cheol , Kim Kyong-Hoe , Yoon Yong Tae
Published: October 2017

A high-speed earthing switch (HSES) of a gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) performs a secondary role in protecting the power system in the event of an accident. After being interrupted by a circuit breaker (CB), the short-circuit current remaining in the network should be earthed by the HSES. However, as the contacts of the HSES may have been damaged by a pre-arc during the closing operation, the HSES may fail to ground the short-circuit current. To successfully ground the short-circuit current, the contacts of the HSES must be protected from damage by the pre-arc. Thus, minimizing the pre-arcing time is required to step up the making performance. This paper analyzes the making performance of the HSES by predicting the pre-arcing time within the short-circuit current making test. To estimate the pre-arcing time, we compared the results of analytical calculations based on streamer discharge theory and the numerical simulations of the electric field strength. By conducting a short-circuit current making test for a 420 kV 63 kA HSES in a high-power laboratory, the pre-arcing time calculation results were verified. A comparison of the results showed that the proposed prediction method was useful for verifying the performance of the HSES.
Validation of Calibrated Energy Models: Common Errors
Authors: Ruiz Germán , Bandera Carlos
Published: October 2017

Nowadays, there is growing interest in all the smart technologies that provide us with information and knowledge about the human environment. In the energy field, thanks to the amount of data received from smart meters and devices and the progress made in both energy software and computers, the quality of energy models is gradually improving and, hence, also the suitability of Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs). For this reason, the measurement of the accuracy of building energy models is an important task, because once the model is validated through a calibration procedure, it can be used, for example, to apply and study different strategies to reduce its energy consumption in maintaining human comfort. There are several agencies that have developed guidelines and methodologies to establish a measure of the accuracy of these models, and the most widely recognized are: ASHRAE Guideline 14-2014, the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP) and the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP). This article intends to shed light on these validation measurements (uncertainty indices) by focusing on the typical mistakes made, as these errors could produce a false belief that the models used are calibrated.
The Eddy Diffusivity in Barotropic β-Plane Turbulence
Authors: Kong Hailu , Jansen Malte
Published: October 2017

Geostrophic turbulent eddies play a crucial role in the oceans, mixing properties such as heat, salt, and geochemical tracers. A useful reduced model for geostrophic turbulence is barotropic (2D) turbulence. The focus of this study is on 2D β -plane turbulence with quadratic drag, which, although arguably the most realistic barotropic model of ocean turbulence, has remained unexplored thus far. We first review and test classical scaling arguments for the eddy diffusivity in three regimes: the strong friction limit, the weak friction/strong β limit, and a transition regime. We then develop a generalized theory by parameterizing the nonlinear eddy–eddy interactions as a stochastic process, which leads to an analytical solution for the eddy diffusivity spectrum, whose integral yields a “bulk” diffusivity. The theory successfully predicts the smooth transition of diffusivity across the three regimes, and echoes with the recent argument that eddy phase propagation relative to the mean flow suppresses the eddy diffusivity. Moreover, the generalized theory reduces to the classical scaling arguments in both the strong friction and strong β limits, which has not been clear from the previous work on diffusivity suppression by flow-relative phase propagation.
The Impact of Oxidative Stress on the Bone System in Response to the Space Special Environment
Authors: Tian Ye , Ma Xiaoli , Yang Chaofei , Su Peihong , Yin Chong , Qian Ai-Rong
Published: October 2017

The space special environment mainly includes microgravity, radiation, vacuum and extreme temperature, which seriously threatens an astronaut’s health. Bone loss is one of the most significant alterations in mammalians after long-duration habitation in space. In this review, we summarize the crucial roles of major factors—namely radiation and microgravity—in space in oxidative stress generation in living organisms, and the inhibitory effect of oxidative stress on bone formation. We discussed the possible mechanisms of oxidative stress-induced skeletal involution, and listed some countermeasures that have therapeutic potentials for bone loss via oxidative stress antagonism. Future research for better understanding the oxidative stress caused by space environment and the development of countermeasures against oxidative damage accordingly may facilitate human beings to live more safely in space and explore deeper into the universe.
Multiple-Criteria Decision Support for a Sustainable Supply Chain: Applications to the Fashion Industry
Authors: Poh Kim Leng , Liang Yiying
Published: October 2017

With increasing globalization and international cooperation, the importance of sustainability management across supply chains has received much attention by companies across various industries. Companies therefore strive to implement effective and integrated sustainable supply chain management initiatives to improve their operational and economic performance while also minimizing unnecessary damage to the environment and maintaining their social reputation and images. The paper presents an easy-to-use decision-support approach based on multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodologies that aim to help companies develop effective models for timely decision-making involving sustainable supply chain management strategies. The proposed approach can be used by practitioners to ultimately build a comprehensive Analytic Network Process model that will adequately capture and reveal all the interrelationships and interdependency among the elements in the problem, which is often a very difficult task. To facilitate and simplify this complex process, we propose that hierarchical thinking be used first to structure the essences of the problem capturing only the major issues, and an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model be built. Users can learn from the modeling process and gain much insight into the problem. The AHP can then be extended to an Analytic Network Process (ANP) model so as to capture the relationships and interdependencies among the elements. Our approach can reduce the sustainable expertise, effort and information that are often needed to build an ANP model from scratch. We apply our approach to the evaluation of sustainable supply chain management strategies for the fashion industry. Three main dimensions of sustainability—environmental, economic and social—are considered. Based on the literature, we identified four alternative supply chain management strategies. It was found that the Reverse Logistics alternative appears to be the recommended solution by the AHP model. However, the Socially Leagile Supply Chain is recommended by the ANP model, thereby demonstrating the necessity and importance of considering interdependencies in the model.
Personalized Nanomedicine: A Revolution at the Nanoscale
Authors: Fornaguera Cristina , García-Celma Maria
Published: October 2017

Nanomedicine is an interdisciplinary research field that results from the application of nanotechnology to medicine and has the potential to significantly improve some current treatments. Specifically, in the field of personalized medicine, it is expected to have a great impact in the near future due to its multiple advantages, namely its versatility to adapt a drug to a cohort of patients. In the present review, the properties and requirements of pharmaceutical dosage forms at the nanoscale, so-called nanomedicines, are been highlighted. An overview of the main current nanomedicines in pre-clinical and clinical development is presented, detailing the challenges to the personalization of these therapies. Next, the process of development of novel nanomedicines is described, from their design in research labs to their arrival on the market, including considerations for the design of nanomedicines adapted to the requirements of the market to achieve safe, effective, and quality products. Finally, attention is given to the point of view of the pharmaceutical industry, including regulation issues applied to the specific case of personalized medicine. The authors expect this review to be a useful overview of the current state of the art of nanomedicine research and industrial production, and the future opportunities of personalized medicine in the upcoming years. The authors encourage the development and marketing of novel personalized nanomedicines.
RETRACTED: Sensitivity Analysis Based on Markovian Integration by Parts Formula
Authors: Hang Yongsheng , Liu Yue , Xu Xiaoyang , Chen Yan , Mo Shu
Published: October 2017

Sensitivity analysis is widely applied in financial risk management and engineering; it describes the variations brought by the changes of parameters. Since the integration by parts technique for Markov chains is well developed in recent years, in this paper we apply it for computation of sensitivity and show the closed-form expressions for two commonly-used time-continuous Markovian models. By comparison, we conclude that our approach outperforms the existing technique of computing sensitivity on Markovian models.
Scientific Study of Gentiana kurroo Royle
Authors: Skinder Bhat , Ganai Bashir , Wani Abdul
Published: October 2017

The present investigation was carried out to review and highlight the potential phytochemicals and medicinal phenomena of the critically endangered medicinal plant, Gentiana kurroo Royle of the western and north-western Himalayas. The medicinal plant is heavily exploited for root and rhizome. Due to its endemic nature and the high rate of exploitation from its natural habitat, this species had become critically endangered. The phytochemical screening of the plant revealed that the plant contains some vital phyto-constituents (iridoids, xanthones, C-glucoxanthone mangiferin, and C-glucoflavones) that have a medicinal value for various acute and chronic diseases. Several researchers have carried out experimental work to validate the folkloric use of the medicinal plant for different ailments like antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic activities and anti-diabetic activity. However, it is yet to be confirmed the antifungal activity of the same plant. Because of endemic nature and high rate of exploitation there is need for alternative method called bio-prospecting of Endophytes from the plant, to carry out the production and characterization of bioactive metabolites for pharmacological uses and can become a conservative tool for the medicinal plant.
Characteristics of Resistance Spot Welded Ti6Al4V Titanium Alloy Sheets
Authors: Zhang Xinge , Zhang Jiangshuai , Chen Fei , Yang Zhaojun , He Jialong
Published: October 2017

Ti6Al4V titanium alloy is applied extensively in the aviation, aerospace, jet engine, and marine industries owing to its strength-to-weight ratio, excellent high-temperature properties and corrosion resistance. In order to extend the application range, investigations on welding characteristics of Ti6Al4V alloy using more welding methods are required. In the present study, Ti6Al4V alloy sheets were joined using resistance spot welding, and the weld nugget formation, mechanical properties (including tensile strength and hardness), and microstructure features of the resistance spot-welded joints were analyzed and evaluated. The visible indentations on the weld nugget surfaces caused by the electrode force and the surface expulsion were severe due to the high welding current. The weld nugget width at the sheets’ faying surface was mainly affected by the welding current and welding time, and the welded joint height at weld nugget center was chiefly associated with electrode force. The maximum tensile load of welded joint was up to 14.3 kN in the pullout failure mode. The hardness of the weld nugget was the highest because of the coarse acicular α′ structure, and the hardness of the heat-affected zone increased in comparison to the base metal due to the transformation of the β phase to some fine acicular α′ phase.
Experimental Deployment of Microbial Mineral Carbonation at an Asbestos Mine: Potential Applications to Carbon Storage and Tailings Stabilization
Authors: McCutcheon Jenine , Turvey Connor , Wilson Sasha , Hamilton Jessica , Southam Gordon
Published: October 2017

A microbial mineral carbonation trial was conducted at the Woodsreef Asbestos Mine (NSW, Australia) to test cyanobacteria-accelerated Mg-carbonate mineral precipitation in mine tailings. The experiment aimed to produce a carbonate crust on the tailings pile surface using atmospheric carbon dioxide and magnesium from serpentine minerals (asbestiform chrysotile; Mg3Si2O5(OH)4) and brucite [Mg(OH)2]. The crust would serve two purposes: Sequestering carbon and stabilizing the hazardous tailings. Two plots (0.5 m3) on the tailings pile were treated with sulfuric acid prior to one plot being inoculated with a cyanobacteria-dominated consortium enriched from the mine pit lakes. After 11 weeks, mineral abundances in control and treated tailings were quantified by Rietveld refinement of powder X-ray diffraction data. Both treated plots possessed pyroaurite [Mg6Fe2(CO3)(OH)16·4H2O] at 2 cm depth, made visible by its orange-red color. The inoculated plot exhibited an increase in the hydromagnesite [Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2·4H2O] content from 2–4 cm depth. The degree of mineral carbonation was limited compared to previous experiments, revealing the difficulty of transitioning from laboratory conditions to mine-site mineral carbonation. Water and carbon availability were limiting factors for mineral carbonation. Overcoming these limitations and enhancing microbial activity could make microbial carbonation a viable strategy for carbon sequestration in mine tailings.
Long Term Osmotic Mini Pump Treatment with Alpha-MSH Improves Myocardial Function in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats
Authors: Szokol Miklos , Priksz Daniel , Bombicz Mariann , Varga Balazs , Kovacs Arpad , Fulop Gabor , Csipo Tamas , Posa Aniko , Toth Attila , Papp Zoltan , Szilvassy Zoltan , Juhasz Bela
Published: October 2017

The present investigation evaluates the cardiovascular effects of the anorexigenic mediator alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), in a rat model of type 2 diabetes. Osmotic mini pumps delivering MSH or vehicle, for 6 weeks, were surgically implanted in Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats. Serum parameters, blood pressure, and weight gain were monitored along with oral glucose tolerance (OGTT). Echocardiography was conducted and, following sacrifice, the effects of treatment on ischemia/reperfusion cardiac injury were assessed using the isolated working heart method. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity was measured to evaluate levels of oxidative stress, and force measurements were performed on isolated cardiomyocytes to determine calcium sensitivity, active tension and myofilament co-operation. Vascular status was also evaluated on isolated arterioles using a contractile force measurement setup. The echocardiographic parameters ejection fraction (EF), fractional shortening (FS), isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT), mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE), and Tei-index were significantly better in the MSH-treated group compared to ZDF controls. Isolated working heart aortic and coronary flow was increased in treated rats, and higher Hill coefficient indicated better myofilament co-operation in the MSH-treated group. We conclude that MSH improves global heart functions in ZDF rats, but these effects are not related to the vascular status.
Electrostatic Self-Assembled Chitosan-Pectin Nano- and Microparticles for Insulin Delivery
Authors: Maciel Vinicius , Yoshida Cristiana , Pereira Susana , Goycoolea Francisco , Franco Telma
Published: October 2017

A polyelectrolyte complex system of chitosan-pectin nano- and microparticles was developed to encapsulate the hormone insulin. The aim of this work was to obtain small particles for oral insulin delivery without chemical crosslinkers based on natural and biodegradable polysaccharides. The nano- and microparticles were developed using chitosans (with different degrees of acetylation: 15.0% and 28.8%) and pectin solutions at various charge ratios (n+/n− given by the chitosan/pectin mass ratio) and total charge. Nano- and microparticles were characterized regarding particle size, zeta potential, production yield, encapsulation efficiency, stability in different media, transmission electron microscopy and cytotoxicity assays using Caco-2 cells. The insulin release was evaluated in vitro in simulated gastric and intestinal media. Small-sized particles (~240–~1900 nm) with a maximum production yield of ~34.0% were obtained. The highest encapsulation efficiency (~62.0%) of the system was observed at a charge ratio (n+/n−) 5.00. The system was stable in various media, particularly in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed spherical shape particles when insulin was added to the system. In simulated intestinal fluid (pH 6.8), controlled insulin release occurred over 2 h. In vitro tests indicated that the proposed system presents potential as a drug delivery for oral administration of bioactive peptides.
Effects of Sorghum Malting on Colour, Major Classes of Phenolics and Individual Anthocyanins
Authors: Khoddami Ali , Mohammadrezaei Mohammad , Roberts Thomas
Published: October 2017

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) grain contains many health-promoting phytochemicals, including a broad range of phenolic compounds. Malting of cereal grains is known to increase the bioavailability of macro- and micronutrients. However, the detailed effects of malting on sorghum grain anthocyanins, a major class of phenolics that influence the taste and colour of sorghum-based foods, requires further investigation. Eight commercial sorghum hybrids harvested from three regions in eastern Australia were malted and analysed for colour, tannin content, total phenolic content (TPC), flavan-4-ols, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins and 3-deoxyanthocyanins. Grains of all the sorghums were found to be tannin-free. Malting decreased the TPC of all samples. For TPC, the grand means among all the sorghum cultivars for raw and malted grain were 2.77 and 2.48 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g, respectively. For flavan-4-ols, the grand means for raw and malted sorghum grains were 2.98 and 2.23 abs/mL/g, respectively. Remarkably, total anthocyanin levels more than doubled upon malting whereas total flavonoid levels decreased by 12%. The average abundance of 3-deoxyanthocyanins in raw sorghum grains increased for about 8-fold upon malting. Our results will be valuable for sorghum breeders in the selection of lines for specific end uses and for food scientists developing sorghum-based products.
Influence of Polymer Relaxation Time on the Electrospinning Process: Numerical Investigation
Authors: Gadkari Siddharth
Published: October 2017

“Electrospinnability”, or the ease with which a solution can be used to obtain bead-free uniform fibers, depends on a large number of parameters, including solution properties, process parameters and ambient conditions. In this study, the effect of the polymer relaxation time on electrospinning of dilute polymer solutions is investigated numerically. It is shown that elastic stresses (ES) increase exponentially with the Deborah number ( D e ). For each polymer concentration there exists a critical D e below which the ES are insufficient to overcome capillary stresses (CS) and lead to the formation of beaded fibers. However, above the critical D e , there is a higher probability of the ES overcoming the CS and leading to the formation of uniform fibers. This analysis suggests the possibility of improved electrospinnability even with dilute polymer solutions, provided the relaxation time is sufficiently large. It is also found that changes in the drag coefficient due to change in the polymer conformation and self-concentration of polymer molecules would become significant for the electrospinning of polymer solutions with a longer relaxation time and high conductivity.
Energy Optimization of Gas–Liquid Dispersion in Micronozzles Assisted by Design of Experiment
Authors: Reichmann Felix , Varel Fabian , Kockmann Norbert
Published: October 2017

In recent years gas–liquid flow in microchannels has drawn much attention in the research fields of analytics and applications, such as in oxidations or hydrogenations. Since surface forces are increasingly important on the small scale, bubble coalescence is detrimental and leads to Taylor bubble flow in microchannels with low surface-to-volume ratio. To overcome this limitation, we have investigated the gas–liquid flow through micronozzles and, specifically, the bubble breakup behind the nozzle. Two different regimes of bubble breakup are identified, laminar and turbulent. Turbulent bubble breakup is characterized by small daughter bubbles and narrow daughter bubble size distribution. Thus, high interfacial area is generated for increased mass and heat transfer. However, turbulent breakup mechanism is observed at high flow rates and increased pressure drops; hence, large energy input into the system is essential. In this work Design of Experiment assisted evaluation of turbulent bubbly flow redispersion is carried out to investigate the effect and significance of the nozzle’s geometrical parameters regarding bubble breakup and pressure drop. Here, the hydraulic diameter and length of the nozzle show the largest impacts. Finally, factor optimization leads to an optimized nozzle geometry for bubble redispersion via a micronozzle regarding energy efficacy to attain a high interfacial area and surface-to-volume ratio with rather low energy input.
Self-Evaluation of PANDA-FBG Based Sensing System for Dynamic Distributed Strain and Temperature Measurement
Authors: Zhu Mengshi , Murayama Hideaki , Wada Daichi
Published: October 2017

A novel method is introduced in this work for effectively evaluating the performance of the PANDA type polarization-maintaining fiber Bragg grating (PANDA-FBG) distributed dynamic strain and temperature sensing system. Conventionally, the errors during the measurement are unknown or evaluated by using other sensors such as strain gauge and thermocouples. This will make the sensing system complicated and decrease the efficiency since more than one kind of sensor is applied for the same measurand. In this study, we used the approximately constant ratio of primary errors in strain and temperature measurement and realized the self-evaluation of the sensing system, which can significantly enhance the applicability, as well as the reliability in strategy making.
An Anomalous Noise Events Detector for Dynamic Road Traffic Noise Mapping in Real-Life Urban and Suburban Environments
Authors: Socoró Joan , Alías Francesc , Alsina-Pagès Rosa
Published: October 2017

One of the main aspects affecting the quality of life of people living in urban and suburban areas is their continued exposure to high Road Traffic Noise (RTN) levels. Until now, noise measurements in cities have been performed by professionals, recording data in certain locations to build a noise map afterwards. However, the deployment of Wireless Acoustic Sensor Networks (WASN) has enabled automatic noise mapping in smart cities. In order to obtain a reliable picture of the RTN levels affecting citizens, Anomalous Noise Events (ANE) unrelated to road traffic should be removed from the noise map computation. To this aim, this paper introduces an Anomalous Noise Event Detector (ANED) designed to differentiate between RTN and ANE in real time within a predefined interval running on the distributed low-cost acoustic sensors of a WASN. The proposed ANED follows a two-class audio event detection and classification approach, instead of multi-class or one-class classification schemes, taking advantage of the collection of representative acoustic data in real-life environments. The experiments conducted within the DYNAMAP project, implemented on ARM-based acoustic sensors, show the feasibility of the proposal both in terms of computational cost and classification performance using standard Mel cepstral coefficients and Gaussian Mixture Models (GMM). The two-class GMM core classifier relatively improves the baseline universal GMM one-class classifier F1 measure by 18.7% and 31.8% for suburban and urban environments, respectively, within the 1-s integration interval. Nevertheless, according to the results, the classification performance of the current ANED implementation still has room for improvement.
Perspectives on the Direction of the Suncheon Bay National Garden from Local Residents and Non-Local Visitors
Authors: Kim Moohan , Sung Jong-Sang , Lee Jin-Wook
Published: October 2017

As Korea’s first national garden, the Suncheon Bay National Garden is a major tourist attraction and a space of enjoyment for visitors. However, in 2016 its sudden establishment necessitates many discussions and measures, and requires that it seek direction based on current perceptions for its continued use in the future. This study begins a search for that direction by examining perspectives of local residents and non-local visitors on the relationships between visitors’ purposes, spatial needs, and required features. The research methodology included a survey administered to Suncheon residents and tourists on these factors. Results were analyzed by multiple correlation analysis and networking between the variables, and differences between Suncheon residents and non-local visitors were deduced; relationships among the factors were also verified. Both locals and visitors saw a need to emphasize garden experiences and education. The study also presents items that differ by respondent group. This study provides information that can be referred to when implementing management and plans for other national gardens.
Opposing effect of Lactobacillus on in vitro Klebsiella pneumoniae in biofilm and in an in vivo intestinal colonisation model
Authors: Lagrafeuille R. , Miquel S. , Balestrino D. , Vareille-Delarbre M. , Chain F. , Langella P. , Forestier C.
Published: October 2017

Beneficial bacteria represent potential sources of therapy, particularly in the battle against antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The Gram-negative bacillus Klebsiella pneumoniae is not only a paradigm of multi-resistant opportunistic pathogen, but it is also able to colonise the human intestine and displays a high capacity to form biofilm. In this study, the anti-biofilm activity of 140 neutralised Lactobacillus supernatants was assessed against K. pneumoniae. Among the 13 strains whose supernatant significantly impaired biofilm formation, Lactobacillus plantarum CIRM653 was selected because it was also able to impair K. pneumoniae preformed biofilm, independently of a bactericidal effect. Mixed K. pneumoniae/L. plantarum CIRM653 biofilms had reduced tridimensional structures associated with a significant decrease in K. pneumoniae biomass. Further investigation showed that L. plantarum CIRM653 supernatant induced transcriptional modifications of K. pneumoniae biofilm-related genes, including down-regulation of the quorum sensing-related lsr operons and over-expression of type 3 pili structure genes. Increased production of type 3 pili was validated by Western-blot, hemagglutination and adhesion assays. L. plantarum CIRM653 activity against K. pneumoniae was also assessed in a murine intestinal colonisation model: a constant faecal pathogen burden was observed, as against a gradual decrease in the control group. These results reveal that an in vitro a priori attracting anti-biofilm activity of Lactobacillus might be counterbalanced by an in vivo behaviour in a complex microbiota environment with potential deleterious dispersal of highly adherent K. pneumoniae cells, raising the question of the accuracy of in vitro assays in screening of beneficial microbes.
Ratio of Klebsiella/Bifidobacterium in early life correlates with later development of paediatric allergy
Authors: Low J.S.Y. , Soh S.-E. , Lee Y.K. , Kwek K.Y.C. , Holbrook J.D. , Van der Beek E.M. , Shek L.P. , Goh A.E.N. , Teoh O.H. , Godfrey K.M. , Chong Y.-S. , Knol J. , Lay C.
Published: October 2017

Several studies have reported that intestinal microbial colonisation patterns differ between non-allergic and allergic infants. However, the microbial signature underlying the pathogenesis of allergies remains unclear. We aim to gain insight into the development of the intestinal microbiota of healthy infants and infants who develop allergy in early life, and identify potential microbiota biomarkers of later allergic disease. Using a case-control design in a Chinese sub-cohort of a Singaporean birth cohort (GUSTO), we utilised 16S rRNA gene sequencing to assess intestinal microbial composition and diversity of 21 allergic and 18 healthy infants at 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months of age, and correlated the microbiota with allergy at ages 18 and 36 months. Pronounced differences in intestinal microbiota composition between allergic and healthy infants were observed at 3 months of age. The intestine of healthy infants was colonised with higher abundance of commensal Bifidobacterium. Conversely, Klebsiella, an opportunistic pathogen, was significantly enriched in the allergic infants. Interestingly, infants with a high Klebsiella/Bifidobacterium (K/B) ratio (above the population median K/B ratio) at age 3 months had an odds ratio of developing allergy by 3 years of age of 9.00 (95% confidence interval 1.46-55.50) compared to those with low K/B ratio. This study demonstrated a relationship between the ratio of genera Klebsiella and Bifidobacterium during early infancy and development of paediatric allergy in childhood. Our study postulates that an elevated K/B ratio in early infancy could be a potential indicator of an increased risk of allergy development. This line of research might enable future intervention strategies in early life to prevent or treat allergy. Our study provides new insights into microbial signatures associated with childhood allergy, in particular, suggests that an elevated K/B ratio could be a potential early-life microbiota biomarker of allergic disease.
Combined cytotoxicity of aflatoxin B1 and deoxynivalenol to hepatoma HepG2/C3A cells
Authors: Li W. , Sang Y. , Zhang G.
Published: October 2017

Co-occurrence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most common mycotoxin contaminations in cereal crops and food ingredients. However, the mechanism of their combined toxicity is poorly understood. In the current investigation, the hepatoma HepG2/C3A cell line was used to explore the combined cytotoxicity of AFB1 and DON. The values of IC50, based on a sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay, were 4.5 mM and 18.7 mM for DON and AFB1, respectively. The analysis of cytotoxicity endpoints using the combination index (CI) theory revealed that the changes of mitochondrial membrane permeability and ATP resulted from an additive cytotoxic effect (CI≈1) of AFB1 and DON. However, the endpoints of double strand DNA (ds-DNA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell viability (SRB) were synergistically (CI<1) affected in a dose-dependent manner. RNA-seq analysis demonstrated a number of uniquely expressed genes in their combination (AFB1: 2.5 mM, DON: 0.56 mM), indicating a synergistic interaction between AFB1 and DON at a molecular level. Additional transcriptomics analysis showed that the endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated JNK/p38/MAPK pathway was induced by DON, whereas the p53 signalling pathway was activated by AFB1. The expression profiles of apoptosis-related genes caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2 suggested a mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway that was shared between AFB1 and DON. Thus, different cytotoxicity pathways and their converging at the apoptotic process might be the mechanism of the additive/synergistic cytotoxicity of AFB1 and DON to HepG2/C3A cells.
Model of a Power-to-Gas System with Fuel Cell in a Mixed Integer Linear Program for the Energy Supply of Residential and Commercial Buildings
Authors: Ebell Niklas , Bott Andre , Beck Tobias , Bürner Johannes , Praß Julian , Franke Jörg
Published: October 2017

In the field of energy supply for residential and commercial buildings, the optimal operation,system configuration and sizing of generation as well as storage technologies are essential stepsfor cost-efficient investments. In current research, flexibility options for electricity from growing renewableenergies attract attention. One of the considered options is the power-to-gas technology incombination with fuel cells. Linear Programs for optimal system operation exist for example for distributedenergy systems. In this study we propose a Mixed Integer Linear Program of a power-to-gasunit consisting of an electrolyzer, a fuel cell and a hydrogen storage. For the fuel cell a minimum loadand a non-linear efficiency curve is taken into account. The non-linear efficiency curve is approximatedby piecewise linearization. Bilinear products in the modeling of the efficiency curve are beingsubstituted to maintain full power plant sizing and operation functionality. Different fuels, such as naturalgas and hydrogen to be converted in the fuel cell, are implemented as well. As a result, we showthat a detailed model of the non-linear efficiency curve of a fuel cell leads to more accurate results concerningthe system operation. The configuration of system components in the observed energy systemchanges. Especially the battery system experiences a change in sizing and operation. However, solvingtime of the model is increasing dramatically. Our results demonstrate a valuable approach to comparethe results of a Linear Program to a Mixed Integer Linear Program. Hence giving the possibility toevaluate the necessity of detailed over simplified models regarding calculation of cost-effectiveness.
Cost-Efficient Energy Monitoring of Manufacturing Machines Based on Nonintrusive Load Monitoring
Authors: Gebbe Christian , Glasschröder Johannes , Reinhart Gunther
Published: October 2017

In order to increase the energy efficiency of manufacturing machines, knowledge about their energy consumption is necessary, preferably on machine component level and including the temporal behavior. To gain such information, nowadays dozens of current clamps have to be installed in the machine by a professional. A more cost-efficient alternative could be the use of non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM), which is already popular in households. This paper highlights several challenges when trying to transfer NILM from households to manufacturing machines. It then focuses on a previously unresolved problem of disaggregating motors with a time varying active power demand and presents a new solution, which was successfully applied to a thermoform machine.
Crossbench and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Processes in Strategy of Sustainable and Energy Efficient Production
Authors: Kreitlein Sven , Gerter Viktor , Urban Nikolaus , Franke Jörg
Published: October 2017

This paper presents the Least Energy Demand as an independent reference value for evaluating energy efficiency of additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Nowadays an essential challenge is represented by a proper evaluation and calculation of the energy efficiency of production processes. The reason for this is the lack of appropriate reference values. A comprehensive comparison of the energy efficiency is not possible without consistent reference values. However, this comparison serves as a first step towards the goal in order to reveal the actual energy savings potential of additive manufacturing procedures and to take actions on this basis. Therefore, as a first step the basic concept of the additive manufacturing principle is introduced. Subsequent the scope of the current research regarding the considered additive manufacturing techniques is illustrated. Afterwards the general system of the Least Energy Demand is presented, which serves the needs in terms of evaluating the energy efficiency of additive manufacturing processes. To sustain the comparability of the Least Energy Demand between the presented AM-procedures a solid basis for further calculations is established. Finally this paper concludes with the results of the calculated Least Energy Demands for the individual additive manufacturing processes and a comprehensive energetic comparison.
Experimental Study on Laser Beam Sealing for Increased Format-Flexibility of Packaging Machines
Authors: Götz Georg , Brugger Martin , Amthor Nicholas , Richter Christoph , Reinhart Gunther
Published: October 2017

Resource and energy efficiency as well as format-flexibility are important key-factors for users and manufacturers of packaging machines. These key-factors could be enhanced together due to a generally positive interconnection. For example, increased format-flexibility reduces the stand-by phases and improves the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). One way to achieve these objectives is using more flexible processing technologies. Laser beam welding is a widespread technology in many industrial branches. Use of this technology in packaging machines for sealing is unknown and therefore the potential of this technology for increasing format-flexibility as well as resource and energy efficiency is not yet exploited. The focus of this paper is the experimental investigation of laser beam sealing with a 2 μm diode-pumped thulium fibre laser. The results of various experimental studies will be presented. The achievable sealed-seam strengths with different laser beam outputs are demonstrated. Furthermore, reasons for different peeling conditions of these sealing seams are investigated. Different materials and surface structures of the required workpiece carrier are experimentally evaluated.
Circulatory Flow Characteristics in Side Channel Blowers
Authors: Münsterjohann Sven , Heinemann Till , Becker Stefan
Published: October 2017

Side channel blowers generate their pressure rise by a complex inner flow field. Despite being subject to scientific investigations since the 1940s, the mechanism behind the generation of high-pressure coefficients, i.e. around 20, are still not fully known. In literature, two main theories try to explain the inner workings and the momentum transfer from theimpeller to the fluid. One approach sees the momentum being transferred by shear stresses between the impeller and the slower fluid in the channel. The other approach sees the circulatory flow, generated by the centrifugal force acting on the circumferentially moving fluid, as the key mechanism to energy transfer from the impeller to the fluid. A review of both mechanisms is necessary to allow for further improvements in the efficiency. In the current work, a numerical analysis of a straight side channel model is presented. The model holds the possibility to omit the influence of the centrifugal force and thus prevent the generation of a circulatory flow. Hence, only shear stresses between fluid and impeller contribute to the momentum transfer. The results show that the circulatory flow is essential to a proper energy transfer and thus high pressure coefficients.