bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking Synthetic Populations to Household Geolocations: A Demonstration in Namibia
Authors: Thomson Dana R. , Kools Lieke , Jochem Warren C.
Published: June 2018

Whether evaluating gridded population dataset estimates (e.g. WorldPop, LandScan) or household survey sample designs, a population census linked to residential locations are needed. Geolocated census microdata data, however, are almost never available and are thus best simulated. In this paper, we simulate a close-to-reality population of individuals nested in households geolocated to realistic building locations. Using the R simPop package and ArcGIS, multiple realizations of a geolocated synthetic population are derived from the Namibia 2011 census 20% microdata sample, Namibia census enumeration area boundaries, Namibia 2013 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), and dozens of publicly available spatial datasets. Realistic household latitude-longitude coordinates are manually generated based on public satellite imagery. Simulated households are linked to latitude-longitude coordinates by identifying distinct household types with multivariate kmeans analysis, and modelling a probability surface for each household type using Random Forest machine learning methods. We simulate five realizations of a synthetic population in Namibia's Oshikoto region, including demographic, socioeconomic and outcome characteristics at the level of household, woman, and child. Comparison of variables in the synthetic population were made with 2011 census 20% sample and 2013 DHS data by primary sampling unit/enumeration area. We found that synthetic population variable distributions matched observed observations and followed expected spatial patterns. We outline a novel process to simulate a close-to-reality microdata census geolocated to realistic building locations in a low- or middle-income country setting to support spatial demographic research and survey methodological development while avoiding disclosure risk of individuals.
Interactions of Human Dermal Dendritic Cells and Langerhans Cells Treated with Hyalomma Tick Saliva with Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus
Authors: Rodriguez Sergio E. , McAuley Alexander J. , Gargili Aysen , Bente Dennis A.
Published: June 2018

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus is one the most important and wide spread tick-borne viruses. Very little is known about the transmission from the tick and the early aspects of pathogenesis. Here, we generate human cutaneous antigen presenting cells: dermal dendritic cells and Langerhans cells, from umbilical cord progenitor cells. In order to mimic the environment created during tick feeding, tick salivary gland extract was generated from semi-engorged Hyalomma marginatum ticks. Our findings indicate that human dermal dendritic cells and Langerhans cells are susceptible and permissive to Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus infection, however, to different degrees. Infection leads to cell activation and cytokine/chemokine secretion, although these responses vary between the different cell types. Hyalomma marginatum salivary gland extract had minimal effect on cell responses, with some synergy with viral infection with respect to cytokine secretion. However, salivary gland extract appeared to inhibit antigen presenting cell (APC) migration. Based on the findings here we hypothesize that human dermal dendritic cells and Langerhans cells serve as early target cells. Rather affecting Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus replication, tick saliva likely immunomodulates and inhibits migration of these APC from the feeding site.
Coupling of Charge Regulation and Conformational Equilibria in Linear
Weak Polyelectrolytes: Treatment of Long Range Interactions via
Effective Short-Ranged and pH-Dependent Interaction Parameters
Authors: Blanco Pablo M. , Madurga Sergio , Mas Francesc , Garcés Josep L.
Published: June 2018

The classical Rotational Isomeric State (RIS) model, originally proposed
by Flory, has been used to rationalize a wide range of physicochemical
properties of neutral polymers. However, many weak polyelectrolytes
of interest are able to regulate their charge depending on the conformational
state of the bonds. Recently, it has been shown that the RIS model
can be coupled with the Site Binding (SB) model, for which the ionizable
sites can adopt two states: protonated or deprotonated. The resulting
combined scheme, the SBRIS model, allows to analyse ionization and
conformational equilibria on the same foot. In the present work this
approach is extended to include pH-dependent electrostatic Long Range
(LR) interactions, ubiquitous in weak polyelectrolytes at moderate
and low ionic strengths. With this aim the original LR interactions
are taken into account by defining effective Short Range (SR) and
pH-dependent parameters, such as effective microscopic protonation
constants and rotational bond energies. The new parameters are systematically calculated using variational methods. The machinery of statistical
mechanics for SR interactions, including the powerful and fast transfer
matrix methods, can then be applied. The resulting technique, to which
we will refer as Local Effective Interaction Parameters (LEIP) method,
is illustrated with a minimal model of a flexible linear polyelectrolyte
containing only one type of rotating bonds. LEIP reproduces very well
the pH dependence of the degree of protonation and bond probabilities
obtained by semi-grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations, where LR
interactions are taken explicitly into account. The reduction in the
computational time in several orders of magnitude suggests that the
LEIP technique could be useful in a range of areas involving linear
weak polyelectrolytes, allowing direct fitting of the relevant physical
parameters to the experimental quantities.
Glaucoma Detection Technique in Retina-A study
Authors: Jain Shruti , Sharma Sunil Datt , Kaushal Shilpa
Published: June 2018

Glaucoma is a disease associated with retina of eye. Presently, millions of human being is suffering from this disease. Early detection of these diseases can save the people from blindness. Therefore, various methods have been developed for its detection. In this paper, we have studied the reported methods and summarized their performance in terms of accuracy of detection.
UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF DYSFUNCTIONAL AND HEALTHY MITOCHONDRIA IN STROKE PATHOLOGY AND ITS TREATMENT
Authors: Nguyen Hung , Zarriello Sydney , Rajani Mira , Tuazon Julian , Napoli Eleonora , Borlongan Cesar
Published: June 2018

Stroke remains a major cause of death and disability in the United States and around the world. Solid safety and efficacy profiles of novel stroke therapeutics have been generated in the laboratory, but most failed in clinical trials. Investigations into the pathology and treatment of the disease remain a key research endeavor in advancing scientific understanding and clinical applications. In particular, cell-based regenerative medicine, specifically stem cells transplantation, may hold promise as stroke therapy because grafted cells and their components may recapitulate the growth and function of the neurovascular unit, which arguably represents the alpha and omega of stroke brain pathology and recovery. Recent evidence has implicated mitochondria, organelles with a central role in energy metabolism and stress response, in stroke progression. Recognizing that stem cells offer a source of healthy mitochondria, potentially transferrable into ischemic cells, may provide a new therapeutic tool. To this end, deciphering cellular and molecular processes underlying dysfunctional mitochondria may reveal innovative strategies for stroke therapy. Here, we review recent studies capturing the intimate participation of mitochondrial impairment in stroke pathology, and showcase promising methods of healthy mitochondria transfer into ischemic cells, to critically evaluate the potential of mitochondria-based stem cell therapy for stroke.
Effects of El-Niño, Indian Ocean Dipole and Madden-Julian Oscillation on Sea Surface Temperature and Rainfall Anomalies in Southeast Asia. Case Study: Biomass Burning Episode of 2015
Authors: Islam Amirul , Chan Andy , Ashfold Matthew , Ooi Chel Gee , Azari Majid
Published: June 2018

Maritime Continent (MC) positions in between Asian and Australian summer monsoons zone. Its complex topography and shallow seas around it is a major challenge for the climate researchers to model and understand it. Monsoon in this area is affected by inter-scale ocean-atmospheric interactions like El-Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and Madden-Julian Oscillation. Monsoon rainfall in MC (especially in Indonesia and Malaysia) profoundly exhibits its variability dependency on ocean-atmospheric phenomena in this region. This monsoon shift often introduces to dreadful events like biomass burning (BB) in Southeast Asia (SEA) which sometimes leads to severe trans-boundary haze pollution. In this study, the episode of BB in 2015 of SEA is highlighted and discussed. Observational satellite datasets are tested by performing simulations with numerical weather prediction (NWP) model using WRF-ARW (Advanced research WRF). Observed and model datasets are compared to study the sea surface temperature (SST) and precipitation (rainfall) anomalies influenced by ENSO, IOD and MJO. Correlations have been recognised which explains the delayed rainfall of regular monsoon in MC due to the influence of ENSO, IOD and MJO during 2015 BB episode, eventually leading to intensification of fire and severe haze.
Entropy-Based Risk Control of Geological Disasters in Mountain Tunnels Under Uncertain Environments
Authors: Xia Yuanpu , Xiong Ziming , Lu Hao , Dong Xin
Published: June 2018

Uncertainty is the main source of risk of geological hazards in tunnel engineering. Uncertainty information not only affects the accuracy of evaluation results, but also affects the reliability of decision-making schemes. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate and control the impact of uncertainty on risk. In this study, the problems in existing entropy-hazard model such as inefficient decision-making and failure of decision-making are analysed, and an improved uncertainty evaluation and control process are proposed. Then the tolerance cost, the key factor in the decision-making model, is also discussed. It is considered that the amount of change in risk value (R1) can better reflect the psychological behaviour of decision-makers. Thirdly, common attribute decision models, such as the expected utility-entropy model, are analysed, and then the viewpoint of different types of decision-making issues that require different decision methods is proposed. The well-known Allais paradox is explained by the proposed methods. Finally, the engineering application results show that the uncertainty control idea proposed here is accurate and effective. This research indicates a direction for further research into uncertainty, and risk control, issues affecting underground engineering works.
The Endochitinase of Clonostachys Rosea Enhances the Biocontrol Efficiency of Bacillus Amyloliquefaciens by Increasing Its Activities of Defense Enzymes
Authors: Zheng Yangyang , Wang Xudong , Liu Siyuan , Zhang Kewei , Cai Zhibo , Chen Xiuling , Zhang Yao , Liu Jiayin , Wang Aoxue
Published: June 2018

To investigate whether the ech42 gene in Clonostachys rosea can improve the biocontrol efficacy of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and its molecular mechanism.Compared to the wild type, the B. amyloliquefaciens transformed with the ech42 gene exhibited a higher chitinase activity. The B. amyloliquefaciens-ech42 also showed a significantly higher biocontrol efficiency against B. cinerea when tomato plants were pre-treated with amyloliquefaciens-ech42. No significant difference of control efficiency was observed between the wild type and amyloliquefaciens-ech42 when tomato plants were first infected by B. cinerea. In addition, the activity of the defense-related enzyme polyphenol oxidase, but not superoxide dismutase was significantly higher in amyloliquefaciens-ech42 than in the wild type.The ech42 enhances the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens biocontrol efficiency by increasing the capacity of protection/prevention to plants, rather treating/killing the pathogens.
Irradiance Variability Quantification and Small-Scale Averaging in Space and Time: A Short Review
Authors: Lohmann Gerald M.
Published: June 2018

With the continual global increase of PV power systems and the inherent weather-induced volatility of their power output, understanding the underlying variability of solar radiation in both space and time is important for the planning and reliable operation of future power grids. This paper concisely reviews recent advances in the characterization of irradiance variability with an emphasis on small spatial and temporal scales (respectively less than about 10\,km and 1\,min), for which comprehensive data sets are time consuming and expensive to collect, and although needed have not been available until recently. Special attention is given to studies dealing with the quantification of variability using such unique data, the analysis and modeling of spatial smoothing, and the evaluation of temporal averaging.
Brazing Studies of Ti- Joint Using Ti20Zr20Cu60-xNix (x = 30, 40, and 50) Metallic Glass Ribbon as Filler Metal
Authors: Panugothu Rama Rao , Bhatnagar Anil Kumar , Majumdar Bhaskar , Bysakh Sandip
Published: June 2018

The present study investigation, our results on characterization of commercially pure-Ti alloy brazed with metallic glass ribbons of Ti20Zr20Cu60-xNix (x = 30, 40, and 50) metallic glass ribbons were produced using a vacuum melt spinner. These ribbons were then used as filler materials for vacuum brazing of two Ti alloy plates at 1268, 1277 and 1279 K for a period of 10 min. Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The as-spun ribbons showed fully amorphous structure when examined on both surfaces by XRD and also verified by TEM investigation. The brazing joint of two Ti-plates using the metallic glass ribbon when brazed with Ni50 was found to be of very high strength. FESEM characterization of the cross-section of the brazed joints shows sub-micron size grains uniformly distributed in the matrix with brighter appearance. FESEM and EDX analysis revealed that the sub-micron grains are rich in Ti & Ni while the matrix phase mainly consisted of Ti. BSE image along with EDS Analysis indicated that the brazed joint has a presence of NiTi2 and Cu2 (Ni Zr) phases which could be responsible for increase in the strength of the brazed joint.
Numerical Model for Predicting Bead Geometry and Microstructure in Laser Beam Welding of Inconel 718 Sheets
Authors: Hernando Iñigo , Arrizubieta Jon Iñaki , Lamikiz Aitzol , Ukar Eneko
Published: June 2018

A numerical model was developed for predicting the bead geometry and microstructure in Laser Beam Welding of 2 mm thickness Inconel 718 sheets. The experiments were carried out with a 1 kW maximum power fiber laser coupled with a galvanometric scanner. Wobble strategy was employed for sweeping 1 mm wide circular areas for creating the weld seams and a specific tooling was manufactured for supplying protective Argon gas during the welding process. The numerical model takes into account both the laser beam absorption and the melt-pool fluid movement along the bead section, resulting in a weld geometry that depends on the process input parameters, such as feed rate and laser power. The microstructure of the beads was also estimated based on the cooling rate of the material. Features as bead upper and bottom final shapes, weld penetration and dendritic arm spacing were numerically and experimentally analyzed and discussed. The results given by the numerical analysis agree with the tests, making the model a robust predictive tool.
Tree-Ring-Based Summer Temperature Minimum Reconstruction for Taboshar, Sogd Province, Tajikistan, Since AD 1840: Linkages to the Oceans
Authors: Bakhtiyorov Zulfiyor , Yu Ruide , Monoldorova Akylai , Ta Zhijie , Aminov Javhar
Published: June 2018

Despite the ecological importance of forest tree species, our study was motivated by scarce data on dendrochronology studies limited to the northwestern part of Tajikistan due to lack of access to such a part of the country which is difficult to access. Current studies on Junipers in the northwestern part of Tajikistan identified that tree ring-based climate reconstruction is possible. Cores of Juniperus Turkestanica from Taboshar area, Sogd province were developed into 176-year tree-ring width chronology. In the current study a summer (June-September) minimum temperature reconstruction spanning AD 1840–2016 was developed, which can explain 30.0% of the instrumental variableness for the period of 1940–2015. Five warmest (1856–1866, 1869–1871, 1907–1916, 1923–1935, 1988–2016) and four coldest time periods (1840–1855, 1872–1906, 1917–1922, 1940–1984) were identified. The developed reconstruction coincides with cold and warm periods with prior investigations from tree-rings in China, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. Spatial correlation analysis with the gridded minimum temperature data shows that the temperature reconstruction covers geographical representation over High Asia. Significant correlation was found between temperature reconstruction with summer SST, which suggests strong linkages of regional temperature variability with Indian-Ocean climate system. The obtained spectral peaks from the spectral analysis of the summer temperature reconstruction were significantly at 84.7-year (90%), 2.9-year (99%), 2.6-year (99%), 2.5-year (99%), 2.4-year (99%) and 2.2-year (99%).
A High-Level Control Algorithm Based on sEMG Signalling for an Elbow Joint SMA Exoskeleton
Authors: Copaci Dorin , Serrano David , Moreno Luis , Blanco Dolores
Published: June 2018

A high-level control algorithm capable of generating position and torque references from surface electromyography signals (sEMG) has been designed. It is applied to a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuated exoskeleton used in active rehabilitation therapies for elbow joints. The sEMG signals are filtered and normalized according data collected online during the first seconds of~therapy sessions. The control algorithm uses the sEMG signals to promote active participation of patients during the therapy session. In order to generate the position reference pattern with good precision, the sEMG normalized signal is compared with a pressure sensor signal to detect the intention of each movement. The algorithm has been tested in simulations and with healthy people for control of an elbow exoskeleton in flexion–extension movements. The results indicate that sEMG signals from elbow muscles in combination with pressure sensors that measure arm–exoskeleton interaction can be used as inputs for the control algorithm, which adapts the reference for exoskeleton movements according a patient's intention.
Consistency of Food Preferences in Australian Children from 2 to 5 Years of Age
Authors: Byrne Rebecca , Mauch Chelsea , Bell Lucy , Daniels Lynne
Published: June 2018

While it is generally accepted that food habits established during infancy will track into later childhood, longitudinal analysis of children’s food preferences is rare. This paper examines whether maternal-reported child food preferences at five years of age are the same as that reported at two years; and identifies any patterns of change from two- to five- years. Mothers in the Australian NOURISH trial reported child food preferences at two and five years of age. A four point scale was utilised - ‘like’, ‘neither like or dislike’, ‘dislike’, ‘never tried’. The proportion of children having the same preference at the two time points was calculated (95%CI) for 48 foods (cereals, 4; vegetables, 20; fruit, 14; meat/alternatives, 6; dairy, 4). For foods where ≤50% children had consistent preferences, the pattern of food preference change was determined. For 40/48 foods, more than half of the children were reported to have the same preference at two years of age, and three years later, at age five. Foods for which ≤50% children had the same preference at both ages were high-sugar breakfast cereals, zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant, spinach, lettuce, cabbage and celery. Findings reinforce the importance of promoting a consistent message regarding early and frequent exposure to a variety of healthy foods, particularly during the first 2 years of life, as the preferences established in these early years are likely to be maintained over time.
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Associated Factors among Vegetarians in Malaysia
Authors: Ching Yuan Kei , Chin Yit Siew , Appukutty Mahenderan , Gan Wan Ying , Ramanchadran Vasudevan , Chan Yoke Mun
Published: June 2018

The prevalence and factors associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) remain unknown in Malaysian vegetarians. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS among vegetarians in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor and its associated factors. The data on socio-demographic characteristics, vegetarianism practices, lifestyle behaviours, body weight, height, waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and blood lipid profiles were collected from 273 vegetarians. A majority of the respondents were lacto-ovo vegetarians (44.0%), females (64.8%) and Chinese (54.9%). The prevalence of MetS was 24.2%. High BP (48.7%) and high WC (43.6%) were the most common MetS components. Females had lower WC, SBP, DBP, FBG, TG and higher HDL-c (p < 0.05) as compared to males. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that advancing in age (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00-1.06), and overweight and obesity (OR = 7.90, 95% CI: 4.13-15.11) were the risk factors of MetS after adjusted for sex. This study found that one in four vegetarians had MetS. The present findings emphasize the need to focus among vegetarians with older age. An intervention program to reduce BMI should be established among vegetarians, especially among those vegetarians who were overweight and obese.
A Robust Optimization for Designing a Charging Station Based on Solar and Wind Energy for Electric Vehicles of a Smart Home in Small Villages
Authors: Ahadi Amir , Sarma Shrutidhara , Moon Jae Sang , Lee Jang Ho
Published: June 2018

In recent years, integration of electric vehicles (EVs) has increased dramatically due to their lower carbon emissions and reduced fossil fuel dependency. However, charging EVs could have significant impacts on the electrical grid. One promising method for mitigating these impacts is the use of renewable energy systems. Renewable energy systems can also be useful for charging EVs where there is no local grid. This paper proposes a new strategy for designing a renewable energy charging station consisting of wind turbines, a photovoltaic system, and an energy storage system to avoid the use of diesel generators in remote communities. The objective function is considered to be the minimization of the total net present cost, including energy production, components setup, and financial viability. The proposed approach, using stochastic modeling, can also guarantee profitable operation of EVs and reasonable effects on renewable energy sizing, narrowing the gap between real-life daily operation patterns and the design stage. The proposed strategy should enhance the efficiency of conventional EV charging stations. The key point of this study is the efficient use of excess electricity. The infrastructure of the charging station is optimized and modeled.
Performance of Resource Allocation in Device-to-Device Communication Systems Based on Evolutionally Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Tan Hsu-Tan , Chen Bor-An , Huang Yung-Fa
Published: June 2018

In this study, the resource blocks (RB) are allocated to user equipment (UE) according to the evolutional algorithms for long term evolution (LTE) systems. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is one of the evolutionary algorithms, based on the imitation of a flock of birds foraging behavior through learning and grouping the best experience. In previous work, the Simple Particle Swarm Optimization (SPSO) algorithm was proposed for RB allocation to enhance the throughput of Device-to-Device (D2D) communications and improve the system capacity performance. In simulation results, with less population size of M = 10, the SPSO can perform quickly convergence to sub-optimal solution in the 100th generation and obtained sub-optimum performance with more 2 UEs than the Rand method. Genetic algorithm (GA) is one of the evolutionary algorithms, based on Darwinian models of natural selection and evolution. Therefore, we further proposed a Refined PSO (RPSO) and a novel GA to enhance the throughput of UEs and to improve the system capacity performance. Simulation results show that the proposed GA with 100 populations, in 200 generations can converge to suboptimal solutions. Therefore, with comparing with the SPSO algorithm the proposed GA and RPSO can improve system capacity performance with 1.8 and 0.4 UEs, respectively.
Aflatoxins in Mozambique: Impact and Potential for Intervention
Authors: Cambaza Edgar , Koseki Shigenobu , Kawamura Shuso
Published: June 2018

Aflatoxins are a known cause of primary liver cancer in Mozambique since pre-independence epidemiological studies. However, their impact goes beyond the public health, affecting the country’s economy and raising legal concerns. As a developing country endemic for Aspergillus, the nation has been struggling to keep pace with external trade quality demands, delicate policy making, still dealing with the farmers’ limitations to control the contamination. The contamination shows variations over time, space and the different commodities. Considering the recommendations of the Codex Alimentarius, the major crops will be highly implicated unless there is major intervention from the authorities to control the toxins.
Combining Living Microorganisms with Regenerated Silk Provides Nanofibril Based Thin Films with heat Responsive Wrinkled States for Smart Food Packaging
Authors: Valentini Luca , Bittolo Bon Silvia , Pugno Nicola
Published: June 2018

Regenerated silk (RS) is a protein-based “biopolymer” that enables the design of new materials; here we sought to “bionic” the process of regenerated silk production by fermentation assisted method. Based on yeast’s fermentation, here we produced a living hybrid composite made of regenerated silk nanofibrils and a single-cell fungi, the Saccharomyces Cerevisiae yeast extract, by fermentation of such microorganisms at room temperature in the dissolution bath of silkworm silk fibers. The fermentation-based processing enhances the beta-sheet content of the RS, corresponding to a reduction in water permeability and CO2 diffusion through RS/yeast thin films enabling the fabrication of mechanically robust film that enhances the food storage durability. Finally a transfer print method, which consists of transferring RS and RS/yeast film layers onto self-adherent paraffin substrate, was used for the realization of heat – responsive wrinkles by exploiting the high thermal expansion of the paraffin substrate that regulates the applied strain, resulting in a switchable coating morphology from the wrinkle-free state to a wrinkled state if the food temperature overcomes a designed threshold. We envision that such efficient and smart coatings can be applied for the realization of smart packaging that through such temperature sensing mechanism can be used to control the food storage conditions.
Evaluating the Impacts of Ground and Atmospheric Conditions on the Efficiency of Solar Energy System and Its Economic Analysis
Authors: Aziz Ali Saleh , Naim Tajuddin Mohammad Faridun , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Mihet-Popa Lucian , Adzman Mohd Rafi , A. M. Ramli Makbul
Published: June 2018

The There are many factors influencing the performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Among these factors, temperature and solar radiation are two major parameters that have a large effect on the efficiency of PV systems. The cell temperature of PV panels is related to the ambient temperature while the solar radiation incident on the surface of the PV modules depends on the slope and azimuth of these modules. Furthermore, ground reflectance (albedo) affects the irradiance incident on the PV panel surface, which in turn affects the output of a PV system. Nevertheless, the effects of these factors on the economic performance of the solar PV systems are scarcely reported. This paper presents a complete design of a stand-alone PV/battery system to supply electric power for a mobile base station in Choman, Erbil, Iraq. The effects of different factors on the total electricity produced by PV arrays and its economic performance are simultaneously investigated. HOMER software has been used as a tool for the techno-economic and environmental analysis. As indicated from the simulation results, the PV array capacity and its economic performance are highly affected by the variation of the slope and azimuth. With a base case (albedo of 20% and average annual ambient temperature of 11°C), the best feasible system which is achieved by facing PV due to south with a tilt angle of 40° or 45°, is found to have net present cost (NPC) of 70595 $ and cost of energy (COE) of 0.54 $/kWh. Moreover, the results indicate that increasing the ground reflectance from 10% to 90% results in a 7.2% decrease in the PV array capacity and about 3% decrease in the NPC and COE. On the other hand, increasing the ambient temperature from 0°C to 40°C results in a 19.7% increase in the PV array capacity and an 8.2% increase in the NPC and COE. Furthermore, according to the ambient temperature of Choman, using PV modules with high sensitivity to temperature is found to be an attractive option. Provided simulation performance analysis proves that the studied parameters must be treated well to establish an enabling environment for solar energy development in Iraq.
Accurate Indoor Sound Level Measurement on a Low-Power and Low-Cost Wireless Sensor Node
Authors: Risojević Vladimir , Rozman Robert , Pilipović Ratko , Češnovar Rok , Bulic Patricio
Published: June 2018

Wireless sensor networks can provide a cheap and flexible infrastructure to support the measurement of noise pollution. However, the processing of the gathered data is challenging to implement on resource-constrained nodes, because each node has its own limited power supply, low-performance and low-power micro-controller unit and other limited processing resources, as well as limited amount of memory. We propose a sensor node for monitoring of indoor ambient noise. The sensor node is based on a hardware platform with limited computational resources and utilizes a number of simplifications to approximate more complex and costly signal processing stage. Furthermore, to reduce the communication between the sensor node and a sink node, as well as the power consumed by the IEEE 802.15.4 (ZigBee) transceiver, we perform digital A-weighting filtering and non-calibrated calculation of the sound pressure level on the node. According to experimental results, the proposed sound level meter can accurately measure the noise levels of up to 100~dB, with the mean difference of less than 2~dB compared to Class 1 sound level meter. The proposed device can continuously monitor indoor noise for several days. Despite the limitations of the used hardware platform, the presented node is a promising low-cost and low-power solution for indoor ambient noise monitoring.
Reconstruction of the Cloud-Free Time Series Satellite Observations of Land Surface Temperature (LST) Using Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA)
Authors: Ghafarian Malamiri Hamid Reza , Rousta Iman , Olafsson Haraldur , Zare Hadi , Zhang Hao
Published: June 2018

Land Surface Temperature (LST) is a basic parameter in energy exchange between the land and atmosphere and is frequently used in many sciences such as climatology, hydrology, agriculture, ecology, etc. LST time series data have usually deficient, missing and unacceptable data caused by the presence of clouds in images, presence of dust in atmosphere and sensor failure. In this study, Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) algorithm was used to resolve the problem of missing and outlier data caused by cloud cover. The region studied in the present research included an image frame of MODIS with horizontal number 22 and vertical number 05 (h22v05). This image involved a large part of Iran and Turkmenistan and Caspian Sea. In this study, MODIS LST sensor (MOD11A1) was used during 2015 with 1×1 Km spatial resolution and day/night LST data (daily temporal resolution). The results of the data quality showed that cloud cover caused 36.37% of missing data in the studied time series with 730 day/night LST images. Further, the results of SSA algorithm in reconstruction of LST images indicated the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 2.95 K between the original and reconstructed data in LST time series in the study region. In general, the findings showed that SSA algorithm using spatio-temporal interpolation in LST time series can be effectively used to resolve the problem of missing data caused by cloud cover.
Mechanical Properties of Ti-alloy Joint with Ti20Zr20Cu60-xNix (x = 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50) Filler Metal
Authors: Panugothu Rama Rao , Majumdar Bhaskar , Bhatnagar Anil Kumar
Published: June 2018

The developed microstructure features a long with mechanical properties in vacuum brazing of commercially pure Ti-alloy using Ti20Zr20Cu60-x-Nix (x=10, 20, 30, 40 and 50) metallic filler. Brazing temperatures and holding times employed in this study were 1240-1279 K (967-1006oC) for a period of 10 min, respectively. The mechanical properties of brazed joints were evaluated by nanoindention at a constant peak load of 5000 μN and tensile tests. The number of intermetallic phase, such as NiTi2, Ti2Cu, (Ti, Zr)2Cu, (Ti, Zr)2Ni, β(Ti, Zr), α-Ti and NiTi. The solid solution matrix have been identified at 1279 K out of these different regions the NiTi2 rich region had the highest nanohardness of 17 GPa, It is interesting to note that among five different glasses, the Ti20Zr20Cu10Ni50 has the highest yield strength of 17 GPa, which is mainly due to NiTi2 phase. Based on the tensile test results all cracks propagate along the brittle intermetallic compounds like NiTi2 in the reaction layer the reduction of the strength of the joints and fracture behaviour upon propagation of the crack, which shows the morphological cleavage including facets characteristics.
Identification of Marbling Gene Loci in Commercial Pigs in Canadian Herds
Authors: Meadus William Jon , Duff Pascale , Roberts Jordan , Zantinge Jennifer , Larsen Ivy , Aalhus Jennifer , Juarez Manuel
Published: June 2018

We examined the amount of marbling and tested the genome of boars from 5 breeds of Duroc, Iberian, Lacombe, Berkshire and Pietrian that were commercially available for a swine herd in Canada. The marbling was ranked according to the amount of intramuscular fat % obtained in loin chops consisting of the longissimus dorsi muscle. The genetics were analysed by genome wide association study using 80,000 single nuclear polymorphism (SNP) microarrays. Our samples had pork that achieved > 7 % IMF from 110kg animals. Meta-analysis revealed SNP markers that were associated with the highest marbled pork chops on chromosomes 5, 7, and 16. Using the susScr 11.1 map, we determined that the nearest genes were SSNP, Rh glycoprotein and EGFLAM. We tested a sub-population of Duroc sired animals and found a different set of markers close to GRLB and KCNJ3 on chromosomes 8 and 15. Based on our sample, we can achieve pork with good marbling from animals conventionally raised to standard market weights of 110kg. The choice of a good marbling line of pig is not necessarily breed specific.
Diazonium Salts: Versatile Molecular Glues for Sticking Conductive Polymers to Flexible Electrodes
Authors: Lo Momath , Pires Rémi , Diaw Karim , Gningue-Sall Diariatou , Oturan Mehmet A. , Aaron Jean-Jacques , Chehimi Mohamed M.
Published: June 2018

Adhesion of polymers to surfaces is of upmost importance in timely applications such as protective coatings, biomaterials, sensors, new power sources and soft electronics. In this context, this work examines the role of molecular interactions in the adhesion of polypyrrole thin films to flexible Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) electrodes grafted with aryl layers from various diazonium salts, namely 4-carboxybenzenediazonium (ITO-CO2H), 4-sulfonicbenzenediazonium (ITO-SO3H), 4-N,N dimethylbenzenediazonium (ITO-N(CH3)2), 4-aminobenzenediazonium (ITO-NH2), 4-cyanobenzenediazonium (ITO-CN) and 4-N-phenylbenzenediazonium (ITO-NHPh). It was demonstrated that PPy thin layers were adherent to these surfaces, whereas adhesion failure was noted on bare ITO, following simple solvent washing or sonication. Adhesion of the polypyrrole was investigated in terms of the hydrophilic/hydrophobic character of the underlying aryl layer as probed by contact angle measurements. It was found that sulfonic acid doped polypyrrole (PPy-BSA) thin films were preferably deposited on the most hydrophobic surfaces. More importantly, the redox properties and electrochemical impedance of PPy were closely related to the hydrophobic character of the aryl layers. This work demonstrates that diazonium compounds are unique molecular glues for conductive polymers, and permit to tune their interfacial properties. With diazonium-based robust, architectured interfaces, one can design high performance materials for e.g.sensors, printed soft electronics and flexible thermoelectrics.
Tracking Healing Process of Experimental Liver Injuries Treated with Different Sealants and Adhesives Biomaterials. Matrix Metalloproteinase Evaluation
Authors: Lloris Carsí José Miguel , Barrios-Pitarque Carlos , Lloris-Cejalvo José Miguel , Gil-Santos Luis , Cejalvo-Lapeña Dolores
Published: June 2018

Sealants and adhesives are used in the repair and preservation of damaged solid organs. This study examines the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) activity in the healing of liver injuries treated with two biological adhesives (Tachosil® and GelitaSpon®) as well as that of a new elastic cyanoacrylate (Adhflex®). Methods. We induced in 90 male rats hepatic lesions using a Stiefel biopsy punch in the liver. Wound healing was assessed 2, 6, and 18 days after injury by quantifying MMP1, 2, 8, 9, and 13 tissue levels. The histopathological repair was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) staining and CD31, CD68 immunohistochemical marker. The three sealants used supported complete healing of liver lesions. Both histopathology and MMP findings indicate that the degradation process of Adhflex® is slower and produces a strong inflammatory reaction at the beginning of healing. Results. All the MMPs measured disclosed higher values at an early stage of the healing process in animals treated with Adhflex® and Tachosil, the expression of for MMP2 and MMP9 being significantly higher in the Adhflex-treated group. Animals treated with Tachosil had significant higher values of MMP8 and MPP13 than the Adhflex-treated group. Animals treated with Adhflex® showed a maintained overexpression in all the MMPs tested even at the latest wound healing stages. Conclusion. Notably, this MMPs overexpression did not negatively influence the histological healing process of hepatic injuries. Given that all hepatic trauma injuries should be considered emergencies, any easy-to-use and rapid sealant, such as Adhflex®, could be considered a suitable treatment option.
Pendulum-Type Hetero-Core Fiber Optic Accelerometer for Low-Frequency Vibration Monitoring
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroshi , Kurose Ichiro , Nishiyama Michiko , Watanabe Kazuhiro
Published: June 2018

In this paper, a novel pendulum-type accelerometer based on hetero-core fiber optics has been proposed for structural health monitoring targeting large-scale civil infrastructures. Vibration measurement is a non-destructive method for diagnosing the failure of structures by assessing natural frequencies and other vibration patterns. The hetero-core fiber optic sensor utilized in the proposed accelerometer can serve as a displacement sensor with robustness to temperature changes in addition to immunity to electromagnetic interference and chemical corrosions. Thus the hetero-core sensor inside the accelerometer measures applied acceleration by detecting the rotation of an internal pendulum. A series of experiments showed that the hetero-core fiber sensor linearly responded to the rotation angle of the pendulum ranging within ±5°, and furthermore the proposed accelerometer could reproduce the waveform of input vibration in a frequency band of several Hz order.
Gelatin as Photosensitive Material
Authors: Calixto Sergio , Ganzherli Nina , Gulyaev Sergey , Figueroa-gerstenmaier Susana
Published: June 2018

Because this issue journal is dedicated to Gelatin here we present a few applications of gelatin in the field of optics. It is understood that optics is the science that studies the production, propagation, interaction and detection of light. Regarding the detection there are some materials sensitive to light (photosensitive) that are used like photomultipliers, CCD’s, crystals, two dimension (2D) materials and more. Among the 2D materials the most popular through several centuries has been gelatin based photographic emulsion that records spatial distributions of light. More recently (1970) films made of Gelatin with Dichromate (DCG) and dyes have been used. We describe some characteristics and applications of these two photosensitive materials. Also we describe examples where gelatin is used as Relative Humidity (RH) sensor and in the fabrication of optical elements based on gelatin. This article is intended to researchers outside the optics community.
A Survey on Infrastructure of Vehicles-To-Grid: A State-Of-Art Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Harighi Tohid , Bayindir Ramazan , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Mihet-Popa Lucian , Hossain Eklas
Published: June 2018

The increase in the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) is one of the most important world problems. Decreasing of GHG emission is a big challenge in the future. Transportation sector uses a significant part of petroleum production in the world and it leads to an increase in the emission of GHG. The result of this issue is that population of the world befoul environment of transportation system automatically. Electric Vehicles (EV) have a potentiality to solve a big part of the GHG emission and energy efficiency issues such as stability and reality of energy. The energy actors and their research team determine some targets for 2050; hence, they hope to decrease the world temperature to 6 °C in the best and 2 °C in the normal condition. Fulfillment of these scenarios needs suitable grid infrastructure but in most of the countries, the grid does not have a suitable background to apply those scenarios. In this paper, some problems about energy scenarios, energy storage systems, grid infrastructure and communication systems in supply and demand side of the grid and its solutions have been investigated.
Helicoidal Hypersurfaces of Dini-Type with Spacelike Axis in Minkowski 4-Space
Authors: Güler Erhan , Kişi Ömer
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we define Ulisse Dini-type helicoidal hypersurface with spacelike axis in Minkowski 4-space E 1 4 . We compute the Gaussian and the mean curvature of the hypersurface. Moreover, we obtain some special symmetry to the curvatures when they are flat and maximal.
Development of an Innovative Modular Foam-Filled Panelised System for Rapidly Assembled Post Disaster Housing
Authors: Sharafi Pezhman , Nemati Saeed , Samali Bijan , Ghodrat Maryam
Published: June 2018

In this paper the development process of a deployable modular sandwich panelized system for rapid assembly building construction is presented, and its structural performance under some different action effects is investigated. This system, which includes an innovative sandwich panel and its integrated connections, can be used as structural walls and floors in quickly assembled post-disaster housing, as well as load bearing panels for pre-fabricated modular construction and semi-permanent buildings. Panels and connections are composed of a pneumatic fabric formwork, and two 3-D high-density polyethylene (HDPE) sheets as the skins, filled with high-density rigid Polyurethane (PU) foam as the core. HDPE sheets manufactured with a studded surface considerably enhance the stress distribution, buckling performance and delamination strength of the sandwich panel under various loading conditions. The load-carrying behaviour of the system in accordance with some ASTM standards is presented here. The results show the system satisfies the codes criteria regarding semi-permanent housing.
CROSSTALK BETWEEN PPARγ LIGANDS AND INFLAMMATORY-RELATED PATHWAYS IN NATURAL T-REGULATORY CELLS FROM TYPE 1 DIABETES MOUSE MODEL
Authors: Nor Effa S. Zulkafli , Yaacob Nik Soriani , Mohd Nor Norazmi
Published: June 2018

Immunomodulation as means of immunotherapy has been studied in major research and clinical laboratories for many years. T-Regulatory (Treg) cell therapy is one of the modulator used in immunotherapy approaches. Similarly, nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) has extensively been shown to play a role as an immuno-modulator during inflammation. Given their mutual roles in downregulating the immune response, current study examined the influence of PPARγ ligands i.e thiazolidinedione (TZD) class of drugs on Foxp3 expression and possible crosstalk between PPARγ and nTreg cells of NOD and NOR mice. Results showed that TZD drug, ciglitazone and natural ligand of PPARγ 15d-prostaglandin downregulated Foxp3 expression in activated nTreg cells from both NOD and NOR mice. Interestingly, addition of the PPARγ inhibitor, GW9662 further downregulated Foxp3 expression in these cells from both mice. We also found that PPARγ ligands negatively regulate Foxp3 expression in activated nTreg cells via PPARγ-independant mechanism(s). These results demonstrate that both natural and synthetic PPARγ ligands capable of suppressing Foxp3 expression in activated nTreg cells of NOD and NOR mice. This may suggest that the effect of PPARγ ligands in modulating Foxp3 expression in activated nTreg cells is different from their reported effects on effector T cells. Given the capability to suppress foxp3 gene, it is possible to be tested as immunomodulators in cancer-related studies.
Anti-melanogenic and Anti-oxidant Activities of an Ethanolic Extract of Kummerowia striata and its active compounds, p-coumaric acid and quercetin
Authors: Park Ju-Hyoung , Lee Jae Yeon , Cho Young-Rak , Ahn Eun-Kyung , Jeong Wonsik , Shin Hyoung Seok , Kim Mi-Sun , Oh Joa Sub
Published: June 2018

Kummerowia striata is a traditional medicine used for the therapy of inflammation-related diseases. Herein, we investigated the anti-melanogenic and antioxidant activities of an ethanolic extract of K. striata (EKS) using a number of in vitro and cell culture model systems. The anti-melanogenic effect was assessed in B16F10 melanoma cells based on melanin synthesis and in vitro tyrosinase inhibitory activity and the anti-oxidant activity assays were performed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2ʹ-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS); EKS exhibited strong anti-oxidant activities in both the assays. The expression of tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1, tyrosinase-related protein 2, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor was decreased in a dose-dependent manner at mRNA and protein levels upon treatment with EKS. Notably, EKS did not affect the cell viability at all the EKS concentrations used in this study, indicating that EKS-mediated inhibition of melanin synthesis is not accompanied with cytotoxicity. Collectively, our findings demonstrate, for the first time, that EKS possesses anti-melanogenic and anti-oxidant activities, and suggest that further evaluation and development of EKS as a functional supplement or cosmetic might be useful for skin whitening and for reduction wrinkles.