bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Markovian dynamics of a quantum heat engine: out-of-equilibrium operation and thermal coupling control
Authors: Wiedmann M , Stockburger J T , Ankerhold J
Published: February 2020

Real quantum heat engines lack the separation of time and length scales that is characteristic for classical engines. They must be understood as open quantum systems in non-equilibrium with time-controlled coupling to thermal reservoirs as integral part. Here, we present a systematic approach to describe a broad class of engines and protocols beyond conventional weak coupling treatments starting from a microscopic modeling. For the four stroke Otto engine the full dynamical range down to low temperatures is explored and the crucial role of the work associated with the coupling/de-coupling to/from reservoirs as an integral part in the energy balance is revealed. Quantum correlations turn out to be instrumental to enhance the efficiency which opens new ways for optimal control techniques.
Response Surface Optimization of Essential Oils Production from Clove Leaf Waste by Microwave-Assisted Hydro Distillation
Authors: Astuti Handayani Prima , Witri Sofiarani Anisa , Bagas Kurniawan Aditya
Published: February 2020

Essential oils can be obtained from leaves, flowers, stems, and roots. One of the ingredients that has the potential to become essential oils is clove plants. The content of essential oils in clove leaves is between 1-4%. The process of refining essential oils can use the microwave assisted hydrodistillation method. The use of microwaves is to speed up processing time. Optimization using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) method is based on Central Composite Design (CCD). The research variables of micro wave power are 400-800 watt and clove leaf mass 70-90 gram. The optimization results obtained at 599.5 watts of microwave power and clove leaf mass of 65.86 grams with a yield of 1.1835%. The second order polynomial equation is obtained y = 0.827502 + 0.493345X1 - 0.179890X2 – 0.3363901X1
2 + 0.228974X2
2 + 0.227850X1X2.
Gembili (Dioscorea esculenta) tube modification via hydrogen peroxide oxidation
Authors: Bahlawan Z A S , Damayanti A , Arif Majid Nur , Herstyawan A , Hapsari R A
Published: February 2020

Dioscorea esculenta or known as gembili in Indonesian is a tuber that can grow easily in almost tropical areas. Gembili is one of the important food sources in the tropical regions. It contains 22.44% carbohydrate which makes it very potential to be developed into tuber flour. This study aims to improve the quality of gembili flour by assessing the effect of several parameters such as oxidation time, the ratio of slurry, and agent concentration on swelling power level. The optimum condition of the oxidation process was at the ratio of slurry 10% with 2% of H2O2 concentration and 60 min operation time that presented the swelling power level of 7 (g/g). Therefore, this swelling power of gembili flour complies with American wheat standards.
Cancerous object detection using morphological region-based active contour in ultrasound images
Authors: Nugroho Anan , Hidayat Risanuri , Adi Nugroho Hanung , Debayle Johan
Published: February 2020

Ultrasound is widely utilized in radiological screening to achieve early cancer investigations. Alongside this utilization, the need of object detection and segmentation techniques highly increases as crucial procedure of computer aided diagnosis tool. In addition, the industrial revolution 4.0 also demands automation and digitization in every technological development including computer aided diagnosis systems. This paper presents a morphological region-based active contour called MoRbAC to automatically detect the cancerous objects. Global level set active contour is initially employed to quick segment all objects in the whole image. Inhomogeneity in ultrasound images will lead to erroneous segmentation result. Hence, several morphology operations are taken to enhance it. The cancerous objects are then specifically detected by comparative calculation of area similarity. The proposed MoRbAC was tested in the real ultrasound images of breast and thyroid which validated by manual ground truth localization. Measurements of overlapping and disagreement regions are applied as quantitative indexes to demonstrate its performance. Average values of each validation has achieved i.e accuracy 98.58±0.89%, sensitivity 89.58±7.69%, specificity 99.58±0.11%, precision 95.58±2.77%, similarity 92.36±4.67%. In conclusion, the high performance of MoRbAC indicates its potential for practical applications in ultrasound computer aided diagnosis.
Master Data Management Planning: A Case Study of Flight Information System at PT Angkasa Pura I (Persero)
Authors: Putra R I P , Nurahman J P , Yana R R , Winarno H , Hidayanto A N , Harahap N C
Published: February 2020

The flight information system used for flight data management at PT Angkasa Pura I (Persero) uses several applications that have different features. This results in inconsistent values that affect data quality due to absence of single master data source. Therefore, this study aims to provide recommendations to PT Angkasa Pura I (Persero) regarding the planning of master data management for flight information system according to its business processes. Master data management planning is carried out using the key user interview method, analyzing the database schema of each application, analyzing IT policy documents, and using the framework of the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK). The research succeeded in producing the needs of master data management at PT Angkasa Pura I (Persero) using collaborative methods and transaction hub architecture patterns. The results of this master data management plan are expected to help PT Angkasa Pura I (Persero) in managing and managing flight data so that there are no more inconsistent data between applications and can improve data quality.
A simulation study of parameters influencing microwave heating of seaweed (Eucheuma cottonii)
Authors: Hakim A R , Handoyo W T , Prasetyo A W
Published: February 2020

Currently, the process of drying seaweed has been using conventional technology, utilizing sunlight directly. It depends on weather conditions when the rainy season arrives, the drying process will take longer time even 3-4 days. The longer duration of drying causes seaweed’s quality degenerate. Previous studies have proved that drying materials use microwave energy can reduce processing time significantly. Heat transfer and electromagnetic field effect on seaweed drying in a microwave oven were studied using a three-dimensional simulation. The parameters observed included variations of power microwave (400, 500, and 600 W), seaweed thickness (3, 5, 7 cm), and waveguides position (top and side). Variation of magnetron energy in microwave heating is affecting the electromagnetic field’s value and changing seaweed temperature. As increasing received energy from the magnetron, seaweed temperature and electromagnetic field are ascending. Seaweed that is heated in 3 cm thickness results rising temperature higher than 5 cm and 7 cm thickness. Waveguide located at the top cavity is generating electromagnetic field value higher than it located at the side cavity. As verification method, heating fresh seaweed use microwave oven was resulting similar pattern both electromagnetic field and temperature. The lowest moisture content of seaweed is achieved at the treatment of 600 watt magnetron energy and 3 cm thickness of seaweed.
Electric power saving optimization simulation for the comfort of classroom lighting
Authors: Hangga Arimaz , Apriaskar Esa , Muanifatin Nisa Alim , Apriliyanto Muchlisin , Afandi Mohamad
Published: February 2020

Classroom lighting is one of the essential factors in learning process for students in a university. There are two types of lighting available to apply inside a classroom, i.e., natural and artificial lightings. This research aims to simulate classroom lighting management technology concerning Indonesia National Standard SNI 6197:2001 using Dialux software. The simulation result shows that the applied artificial lighting inside E11-210 room had not followed the standard yet, in 350 lux. The existence of both artificial and natural lightings has made E11-210 room were excessive in light intensity, despite successfully obeying the standard. This paper uses lamp power modification to optimize the light intensity efficiently without to infringe the standard. This paper also presents the potential benefit of implementing power modification in saving electricity usage costs for 56.94%.
Automated trash collector design
Authors: Othman Hirdy , Iskandar Petra Mohammad , Chandratilak De Silva Liyanage , Caesarendra Wahyu
Published: February 2020

The objective of this paper is to study, analyse and investigate the main contributor of plastic pollution which has become the world major infamous problem nowadays, and to explain our platform design which aim to help in reducing the issue of floating trash. Annually, more than 2 million tonnes of plastics have been tossed to water body and eventually washed away to the sea. Not just living marine organisms become targets and carrier of harmful viruses but some of marine animals suffer a direct mortality after plastic ingestion. Numerous negative impacts of plastic pollution to the environment and the society had been identified. This study shall include the methodology; classification of trash cleaning systems as well as the efforts to tackle this problem. Static and dynamic systems have been categorized to distinguish their effectiveness. As for this paper, the proposed design will be focusing on dynamic system which is fully autonomous. It is a multi-functional design which incorporated with different types of sensors. This paper also emphasizes the novelty and uniqueness of the proposed design as compared to existing ones; in terms of architecture and its functionality.
Comparison analysis of expanded polystyrene system (eps) and polyvinyl chloride (pvc) pipe as platform material of floating buildings in the coastal areas of Semarang
Authors: Pratiwi Adi Henny , Imam Wahyudi Slamet , Singgih Sudarmono Catur , Caqqul Islam Mochammad
Published: February 2020

The impact of tidal floods in the coastal area of Semarang greatly disrupts people’s activities and damages settlements and infrastructure buildings. Floating building is one of the alternative solutions to overcome the rising sea level. This study aims to compare 2 (two) floating housing material platforms, namely EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) and PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride). The analysis method of floating structure platform was carried out by using various indicators, namely, the uplift generated, the stability and costs. Based on the findings of the analysis, the uplift platform to bear building loads on the water surface showed a value of 0.2 ton / rod for Ø10 inches PVC pipes and 4 meters in length. Then, the uplift capacity of 0.9 tons / sheet was for EPS Styrofoam with dimensions of 2 m x 1 m x 0.5 m. The stability level of floating buildings on water was indicated by the high value of spectrum that was +3.23 m for PVC and +3.61 m for EPS. To support the loads of 54.01 tons, the comparison of material expenses and installation of PVC materials required a cost of IDR. 561, 561, 350.00; meanwhile EPS material cost IDR. 40, 420, 000.00.
Microstructural and tribological characterization of niobium boride coating produced on AISI 1020 steel via multicomponent boriding
Authors: Krelling A P , Almeida E A S , da Costa C E , Milan J C G
Published: February 2020

Niobium boride coating was produced on AISI 1020 steel by multicomponent boriding process. Boriding treatment at1000 °C for 4 h was followed by thermo-reactive diffusion technique at 1000 °C for 6 h under argon atmosphere. Microabrasive wear tests were carried out using SiC abrasive particles at slurry concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 g cm−3. Normal loads of 0.49 and 0.98 N were used. NbB and Nb5B6 phases were identified by XRD analysis. The niobium boride coating thickness was 2.0 ± 0.5 μm and its hardness was 1360 ± 200 HK0.01. Owing to the presence of a porous region on the niobium/iron boride layers the abrasive wear resistance decreased comparing to the borided and untreated AISI 1020 steel. Rolling abrasion was the main wear mechanism observed.
Effect of bottom micro-crystalline diamond (MCD) layer and top nano-crystalline diamond (NCD) layer onto the tribological behavior of (MCD/NCD) bilayer film
Authors: Luo Yijie , Ma Li , Li Liang , Chen Yubo , Zhou Kechao , Yi Mingkun , Deng Biao , Yang Haohui , Xia Xin , Hua Tengyu , Yin Dengfeng , Wei Qiuping
Published: February 2020

In this study, a comparative study of a series of (MCD/NCD) bilayer films with different MCD grain sizes and NCD layer thickness deposited on cemented tungsten carbide (WC-Co) flat substrates was conducted by changing the deposition time. Tribological behaviors of these diamond films were evaluated by using a reciprocal tribometer without lubrication. In friction test against Si3N4 balls, the (3hMCD/6hNCD) bilayer film showed the lowest coefficient of friction (0.059) and wear rates of counterpart balls (1.75 × 10−6 mm3 N−1 m−1) because of its lowest surface roughness and higher sp2 content. This work provides a guide to choose suitable (MCD/NCD) bilayer basic structure in multilayer diamond film for getting a fine diamond film with low roughness and great tribological performance for different applications.
Temperature effect on propylene polymerization behavior over Ziegler-Natta catalyst with different cocatalyst systems
Authors: Pongchan Thanyaporn , Praserthdam Piyasan , Jongsomjit Bunjerd
Published: February 2020

This study focused on the effect of temperature in propylene polymerization behaviors up on different cocatalysts employed. It revealed that triethylaluminum (TEA) exhibited higher activity than tri-n-octylaluminum (TnOA) with the optimal temperature of 60 °C, whereas the over reduction of catalyst occurred at 70 °C. However, at low temperature (ca. 50 °C), the mixed cocatalysts (TEA + TnOA) gave the highest activity among the sole cocatalyst. This can be attributed to the occurrence and stabilization of proper Ti oxidation state (Ti3+) form as proven by the electron spin resonance (ESR) with the combination of cocatalysts. In addition, temperatures and types of cocatalyst did not have significant effects on morphology and crystallinity of polymer.
The effect of thermoplastic starch on the properties of polypropylene/high density polyethylene blend reinforced by nano-clay
Authors: Hammache Yassine , Serier Aicha , Chaoui Saliha
Published: February 2020

Polypropylene (PP) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) was melt-blended in pairs at a constant of 80:20 (mm) compositions; this blend is prepared by one-step reactive extrusion in a single-screw extruder. The present study aims to investigate the effect of thermoplastic starch (TPS) on the properties of PP and HDPE blend. This later has been investigated in the absence and presence of maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PE-g-MA), and reinforced by nano-clay. All the blends/nano-bio-composites were prepared in an internal mixer. The results indicates changes in the blends in terms of morphological, Mechanical, Thermal, structural and rheological properties. However, the different blends and nano-bio-composites were studied by means of Thermogravimetry (TG), Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), Melt flow index (MFI), Izod impact (unnotched) tests, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD).
Effect of mixed halide contents on structural, electronic, optical and elastic properties of CsSnI3−xBrx for solar cell applications: first-principles study
Authors: Shakil M , Akram Arfan , Zeba I , Ahmad Riaz , Gillani S S A , Gadhi M Asghar
Published: February 2020

In this study, structural, electronic, optical and elastic properties of CsSnI3−xBrx perovskites are investigated by full potential linearized augmented plane wave method (FP-LAPW) with exchange correlation functionals GGA-PBE and GGA-mBJ as implemented in Wien2k. The calculated structural parameters for all compositions are in good correlation with literature. The band structures and density of states (DOS) are calculated by GGA which indicated that all these alloys have direct band gap. Furthermore, the band gaps are also calculated by employing modified Beck-Johnson’s (mBJ) exchange potential. The obtained band gaps with this method are found to be improved as compared to GGA. The calculated optical parameters show that these materials have the competency for light absorption and to retain it. These characteristics make them promising materials for solar cell applications. The elastic constants have also been calculated which revealed that all these compounds have ductile nature. The mixed halide contents are pioneered in this study and therefore, no data is in hand for estimation.
Atiyah-Segal theorem for Deligne-Mumford stacks and applications
Authors: Krishna Amalendu , Sreedhar Bhamidi
Published: February 2020

We prove an Atiyah-Segal isomorphism for the higher

K
K

-theory of coherent sheaves on quotient Deligne-Mumford stacks over

C

\mathbb {C}

. As an application, we prove the Grothendieck-Riemann-Roch theorem for such stacks. This theorem establishes an isomorphism between the higher

K
K

-theory of coherent sheaves on a Deligne-Mumford stack and the higher Chow groups of its inertia stack. Furthermore, this isomorphism is covariant for proper maps between Deligne-Mumford stacks.
165 Prior Fracture Physical Dependence, Co-Morbidity and One-Year Survival of HIP Fracture Patients; Data from A HIP Fracture Registry in Sri Lanka
Authors: Abeygunasekara Thilina , Lekamwasam Sarath , Lenora Janaka , Alwis Gayani
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Hip fractures are associated with high mortality and morbidity. Many factors, before and after fracture, are linked with the survival of hip fracture patients. We analyzed the association between the one-year mortality and co-morbidity and physical dependence before fracture.

Methods

We used follow up data of Hip fracture registry maintained since September 2017. All patients with incident fragility hip fracture admitted to a tertiary care center in the Southern province of Sri Lanka were included and followed up. Information on co-morbidity (Age-adjusted Charlson co-morbidity index) was collected from previous records and interviews of patients and relatives. Barthel index-Sinhala version was used to collect information on physical dependence one week before fracture.

Results

Of 180 patients (149 women) followed up, 33 died within one year (mortality rate = 18%). Patients who survived were younger (mean age 75.6 vs 83.4ys, p < 0.001) and had lower co-morbidity (mean Age adjusted Charlson co-morbidity index 4.9 vs 6.3, p < 0.001) and higher Barthel index before fracture (97.4 vs 94.2, p = 0.001) when compared with those who died. Areas under curve (AUC) in the ROC analysis were 0.77 (SE 0.04, p < 0.001) for age, 0.79 (SE 0.04, p < 0.001) for co-morbidity and 0.67 (SE 0.05, p 0.003) for Barthel index.

Conclusions

Age, co-morbidity and prior fracture physical dependence are significantly associated with one-year survival of fragility hip fracture patients. This information can be used in early identification of patients who need special attention during the post-fracture follow up.
High differentiation in functional traits but similar phenotypic plasticity in populations of a soil specialist along a climatic gradient
Authors: Matesanz Silvia , Ramos-Muñoz Marina , Blanco-Sánchez Mario , Escudero Adrián
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims

Plants experiencing contrasting environmental conditions may accommodate such heterogeneity by expressing phenotypic plasticity, evolving local adaptation or a combination of both. We investigated patterns of genetic differentiation and plasticity in response to drought in populations of the gypsum specialist Lepidium subulatum.

Methods

We created an outdoor common garden with rain exclusion structures using 60 maternal progenies from four distinct populations that substantially differ in climatic conditions. We characterized fitness, life history and functional plasticity in response to two contrasting treatments that realistically reflect soil moisture variation in gypsum habitats. We also assessed neutral genetic variation and population structure using microsatellite markers.

Key Results

In response to water stress, plants from all populations flowered earlier, increased allocation to root tissues and advanced leaf senescence, consistent with a drought escape strategy. Remarkably, these probably adaptive responses were common to all populations, as shown by the lack of population × environment interaction for almost all functional traits. This generally common pattern of response was consistent with substantial neutral genetic variation and large differences in population trait means. However, such population-level trait variation was not related to climatic conditions at the sites of origin.

Conclusions

Our results show that, rather than ecotypes specialized to local climatic conditions, these populations are composed of highly plastic, general-purpose genotypes in relation to climatic heterogeneity. The strikingly similar patterns of plasticity among populations, despite substantial site of origin differences in climate, suggest past selection on a common norm of reaction due to similarly high levels of variation within sites. It is thus likely that plasticity will have a prevalent role in the response of this soil specialist to further environmental change.
Who was the greatest of all-time? A historical analysis by a complex network of professional boxing
Authors: Tennant Adam G , Smith Chase M L , Chen C Jotam E
Published: February 2020

This study seeks to examine and compare boxers throughout history creating a pound-for-pound list of the different fighters. A PageRank algorithm was utilized to rank the boxers from the network to determine a list of the top 10 fighters from 1897 to 2019. Two data sets were utilized, a truncated subset and a larger data set, to explore the impact of network size on the rank of boxers. Additionally, the researchers systematically varied the damping factor of the PageRank algorithm to determine the effects on the rankings. A discussion of the results includes a comparison of journalistic rankings and those from a points-based system from the respected boxing website BoxRec.
Longitudinal Association Between Sodium and Potassium Intake and Physical Performance in Older Adults
Authors: Lana Alberto , Struijk Ellen A , Ortolá Rosario , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando , Lopez-Garcia Esther
Published: February 2020

Background

Aging is associated with a progressive difficulty to maintain ion regulation, which might impair the capacity for muscle contraction. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the association between 5-year changes in dietary intake of sodium and potassium and changes in physical performance among older adults.

Methods

We performed a prospective study with 868 participants from the Seniors-ENRICA cohort. Diet was measured with a validated diet history and physical performance was measured with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), both in 2012 and 2017. Analyses were performed with linear regression models adjusted for sociodemographic variables, lifestyle, and morbidity, using changes in the intake of sodium and potassium and changes in the sodium/potassium ratio during follow-up as independent variables, and the continuous change in the SPPB score as the dependent variable.

Results

Over 5 years of follow-up, a 1 SD increase in sodium intake (ie, 0.73 g/d) was associated with a 0.13 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.01) points reduction in the SPPB score, while a 1 SD increase in potassium intake (ie, 0.70 g/d) was associated with a 0.19 (0.05–0.34) points increment in the score. In addition, a 1 SD increase in the sodium-to-potassium ratio (ie, 0.30) was associated with worse SPPB (−0.58 [−0.95 to −0.21]). Participants who adhered to dietary recommendations for minerals at baseline but became noncompliant during follow-up decreased their result in the SPPB.

Conclusion

An increase of dietary sodium intake, a decrease of potassium intake and the resulting increment in the sodium-to-potassium ratio were prospectively associated with worse physical performance in older adults.
Real-life insights on menstrual cycles and ovulation using big data
Authors: Soumpasis I , Grace B , Johnson S
Published: February 2020

STUDY QUESTION

What variations underlie the menstrual cycle length and ovulation day of women trying to conceive?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Big data from a connected ovulation test revealed the extent of variation in menstrual cycle length and ovulation day in women trying to conceive.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Timing intercourse to coincide with the fertile period of a woman maximises the chances of conception. The day of ovulation varies on an inter- and intra-individual level.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

A total of 32 595 women who had purchased a connected ovulation test system contributed 75 981 cycles for analysis. Day of ovulation was determined from the fertility test results. The connected home ovulation test system enables users to identify their fertile phase. The app benefits users by enabling them to understand their personal fertility information. During each menstrual cycle, users input their perceived cycle length into an accessory application, and data on hormone levels from the tests are uploaded to the application and stored in an anonymised cloud database. This study compared users’ perceived cycle characteristics with actual cycle characteristics. The perceived and actual cycle length information was analysed to provide population ranges.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

This study analysed data from the at-home use of a commercially available connected home ovulation test by women across the USA and UK.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Overall, 25.3% of users selected a 28-day cycle as their perceived cycle length; however, only 12.4% of users actually had a 28-day cycle. Most women (87%) had actual menstrual cycle lengths between 23 and 35 days, with a normal distribution centred on day 28, and over half of the users (52%) had cycles that varied by 5 days or more. There was a 10-day spread of observed ovulation days for a 28-day cycle, with the most common day of ovulation being Day 15. Similar variation was observed for all cycle lengths examined. For users who conducted a test on every day requested by the app, a luteinising hormone (LH) surge was detected in 97.9% of cycles.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Data were from a self-selected population of women who were prepared to purchase a commercially available product to aid conception and so may not fully represent the wider population. No corresponding demographic data were collected with the cycle information.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Using big data has provided more personalised insights into women’s fertility; this could enable women trying to conceive to better time intercourse, increasing the likelihood of conception.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

The study was funded by SPD Development Company Ltd (Bedford, UK), a fully owned subsidiary of SPD Swiss Precision Diagnostics GmbH (Geneva, Switzerland). I.S., B.G. and S.J. are employees of the SPD Development Company Ltd.
V-REP-based navigation of automated wheeled robot between obstacles using PSO-tuned feedforward neural network
Authors: Pandey Anish , Panwar Vikas Singh , Hasan Md Ehtesham , Parhi Dayal R
Published: February 2020

This paper describes the navigation of an automated Pioneer P3-DX wheeled robot between obstacles using particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm tuned feedforward neural network (FNN). This PSO algorithm minimizes the mean square error between the actual and predicted values of the FNN. In this work, 2 separate DC motors and 16 ultrasonic sensors have been used for making differential drive steering angle and for collecting the distance from obstacles, respectively. The proposed without tuned FNN and PSO-tuned FNN receives obstacle's distance as inputs form ultrasonic sensors and control the steering angle of a differential drive of automated Pioneer P3-DX wheeled robot as output. We have compared the results between without tuned FNN and PSO-tuned FNN, and it has been found that PSO-tuned FNN gives a better trajectory and takes less distance to reach the target. Virtual Robot Experimentation Platform software has been used to design the real-time simulation results. A comparative study between without tuned FNN and PSO-tuned FNN verifies the effectiveness of PSO-tuned FNN for automated Pioneer P3-DX wheeled robot navigation. Also, we have compared this winner PSO-tuned FNN to the previously developed PSO-optimized Fuzzy Logic Controller navigational technique to show the authenticity and real-time implementation of PSO-tuned FNN.
Validation of the 3D reconstructed human skin Comet assay, an animal-free alternative for following-up positive results from standardin vitrogenotoxicity assays
Authors: Pfuhler Stefan , Pirow Ralph , Downs Thomas R , Haase Andrea , Hewitt Nicola , Luch Andreas , Merkel Marion , Petrick Claudia , Said André , Schäfer-Korting Monika , Reisinger Kerstin
Published: February 2020

As part of the safety assessment process, all industrial sectors employ genotoxicity test batteries, starting with well-established in vitro assays. However, these batteries have limited predictive capacity for the in vivo situation, which may result in unnecessary follow-up in vivo testing or the loss of promising substances where animal tests are prohibited or not desired. To address this, a project involving regulators, academia and industry was established to develop and validate in vitro human skin-based genotoxicity assays for topically exposed substances, such as cosmetics ingredients. Here, we describe the validation of the 3D reconstructed skin (RS) Comet assay. In this multicenter study, chemicals were applied topically three times to the skin over 48 h. Isolated keratinocytes and fibroblasts were transferred to slides before electrophoresis and the resulting comet formation was recorded as % tail DNA. Before decoding, results of the validation exercise for 32 substances were evaluated by an independent statistician. There was a high predictive capacity of this assay when compared to in vivo outcomes, with a sensitivity of 77 (80)%, a specificity of 88 (97)% and an overall accuracy of 83 (92)%. The numbers reflect the calls of the performing laboratories in the coded phase, whereas those in parenthesis reflect calls according to the agreed evaluation criteria. Intra- and inter-laboratory reproducibility was also very good, with a concordance of 93 and 88%, respectively. These results generated with the Phenion® Full-Thickness skin model demonstrate its suitability for this assay, with reproducibly low background DNA damage and sufficient metabolic capacity to activate pro-mutagens. The validation outcome supports the use of the RS Comet assay to follow up positive results from standard in vitro genotoxicity assays when the expected route of exposure is dermal. Based on the available data, the assay was accepted recently into the OECD test guideline development program.
A rare coexistence of Behcet’s disease and Graves’ thyrotoxicosis in a young man: a case report
Authors: Joshi Hareesh , Shahriar Imran , Sharma Poonam , Sagi Satyanarayana V , Oyibo Samson O
Published: February 2020

Behcet’s disease is a recurrent systemic vasculitic disorder. It manifests most commonly in the form of skin lesions, oral and genital ulcers and uveitis. Graves’ thyrotoxicosis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by excessive production of thyroid hormones. We present a case of a 41-year-old male of Turkish descent who had symptoms of arthralgia, rash, palpitations and weight loss. Bloods tests showed raised inflammatory markers and biochemical evidence of severe autoimmune thyrotoxicosis. The patient was HLA-B51-negative, and pathergy test was inconclusive. A diagnosis of Behcet’s disease was made on constellation of clinical symptoms. The patient was treated with carbimazole and prednisolone followed by azathioprine. The coexistence of Behcet’s disease and Graves’ disease in the same patient is very rare. Further studies are required to determine if there is a pathological association between these two conditions.
Famotidine induced hypomagnesemia leading to hypocalcemia
Authors: Essrani Rajesh , Mehershahi Shehriyar , Ravi Shri Jai Kirshan , Essrani Rajesh Kumar , Sudhakaran Anuraj , Hossain Muhammad , Yang Tsu Jung , Mehmood Asif
Published: February 2020

Fifty-five-year-old female with a past medical history of gastroesophageal reflux disease was admitted to hospital due to increased confusion, and muscle cramps for last 15 days. She was taking famotidine 20 mg twice a day for the last 2 years. She was alert and oriented to person and place only. She had dry skin, positive Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s sign. Blood work showed 141 mmol/L of sodium, 0.7 mg/dl of creatinine, 5.7 mg/dl of calcium, 0.55 mg/dl of magnesium, low PTH but normal parathyroid related peptide PTHrP, vitamin D (25) and vitamin D (1.25). She was discharged home on electrolyte supplements. She was readmitted with very low calcium and magnesium. Extensive workup including 24 h of urine calcium and magnesium was unimpressive. She was treated with IV therapy and discharged to follow up with nephrology in the clinic, and famotidine was discontinued on second discharge. Her calcium and magnesium levels remained normal, and in a few weeks later, oral electrolyte supplements were discontinued.
Response to anti-PD1 immunotherapy in patients with metastatic cutaneous sarcoma: case reports and literature review
Authors: Vieira Aline Cristini , Megid Thais Baccili Cury , Melo Raissa , Muniz David , Salgues Alessandra Corte Real , Barbosa Felipe Galiza , Munhoz Rodrigo Ramella , Feher Olavo
Published: February 2020

Dermal sarcomas represent a group or rare malignancies of mesenchymal origin. Although surgical excision with wide margins can be curative, in the advanced/metastatic setting, treatment options are limited and the benefit from anthracycline-based chemotherapy or targeted agents is usually short-lived. Tumor mutational burden and PD-L1 expression scores can be used as predictive biomarker for response to immunotherapy in some metastatic cancers. The role of immune-checkpoint blockade for sarcoma patients remains investigational. Here we present three cases of dermal sarcomas with high TMB and PD-L1 expression and responses to anti-PD1 agents in two of them.
Autonomy, Integrity, and Values in Public Administration: A Dilemma and a Case
Authors: Seibel Wolfgang
Published: February 2020

This article addresses a classic problem of public administration, which is the quest for institutional integrity in the presence of bureaucratic autonomy. It does so in combination with a history of ideas account of the subject with a case study of derailed autonomy at the expense of institutional integrity It does so in combination with a history of ideas account of the subject with a case study of derailed autonomy at the expense of institutional integrity with particularly serious consequences in the form of human casualties. Referring to literature on public values and moral hazard under the condition of bureaucratic discretion, the article argues that harmonizing bureaucratic autonomy and institutional integrity requires commitment to public values that prioritize the protection of basic individual rights over temptations of pragmatic decision making. It is, therefore, a plea for linking traditional lines of thoughts on public administration with a more fine-grained assessment of the ambivalence of governmental agencies as both guardians of, and a menace to, rule-of-law-based protection of civic values.
Phase transition and geometrical thermodynamics of energy-dependent dilatonic BTZ black holes with power-law electrodynamics
Authors: Dehghani M , Badpa M
Published: February 2020

The coupled scalar, electromagnetic, and gravitational field equations of Einstein–dilaton gravity theory have been solved in a three-dimensional energy-dependent spacetime and in the presence of power-law nonlinear electrodynamics. The scalar potential is written as the linear combination of two exponential functions, and two families of three-dimensional dilatonic black hole solutions have been introduced which indicate the impacts of rainbow functions on the spacetime geometry. Through consideration of curvature scalars, it has been found that the asymptotic behavior of the solutions is neither flat nor anti-de Sitter. It has been illustrated that, with a suitable choice of parameters, the solutions can produce the two-horizon, extreme and naked singularity black holes. By calculating the black hole charge, mass, entropy, temperature, and electric potential, it has been proved that they fulfill the standard form of the first law of black hole thermodynamics. The thermodynamic stability of the black holes has been analyzed by utilizing the canonical and grand canonical ensembles and noting the signature of the black hole heat capacity and Gibbs free energy of the black holes. The points of type-1, type-2, and Hawking–Page phase transitions and the ranges at which the black holes are locally or globally stable have been determined. The geometrical thermodynamics of the black holes has been studied by use of different thermodynamic metrics, and the results of different approaches have been compared.
Waring’s Problem for Rational Functions in One Variable
Authors: Im Bo-Hae , Larsen Michael
Published: February 2020

Let $f\in{\mathbb{Q}}(x)$ be a non-constant rational function. We consider ‘Waring’s problem for $f(x)$,’ i.e., whether every element of ${\mathbb{Q}}$ can be written as a bounded sum of elements of $\{f(a)\mid a\in{\mathbb{Q}}\}$. For rational functions of degree $2$, we give necessary and sufficient conditions. For higher degrees, we prove that every polynomial of odd degree and every odd Laurent polynomial satisfies Waring’s problem. We also consider the ‘easier Waring’s problem’: whether every element of ${\mathbb{Q}}$ can be represented as a bounded sum of elements of $\{\pm f(a)\mid a\in{\mathbb{Q}}\}$.
Case Report: Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of Idiopathic Foveal Hypoplasia and Its Correlation With Visual Acuity
Authors: Lypka Karin Rose , Rodman Julie , Starman Kelsey , Woods Albert David , Bi Hua
Published: February 2020

SIGNIFICANCE

Foveal hypoplasia is described clinically by the absence of a foveal pit and subsequent reduction in visual acuity. Optical coherence tomography angiography provides precise segmentation of the retinal vascular supply demonstrating the vascular perfusion in affected patients. Preservation of perfusion is linked to visual acuity and function.

PURPOSE

This case report describes a patient with foveal hypoplasia and preservation of visual acuity with preserved retinal capillary density of the superficial and deep capillary plexuses on optical coherence tomography angiography. In addition, the diagnostic findings of foveal hypoplasia as seen on optical coherence tomography angiography will be described.

CASE REPORT

A 25-year-old Caucasian female with history of foveal hypoplasia presented to the clinic for evaluation. She had no other visual, ocular, or systemic complaints. Her ocular history included Duane syndrome, accommodative insufficiency, and traumatic brain injury. Her medical history included cardiac ablation secondary to supraventricular tachycardia, gall bladder removal, maxillary sinus cyst, and a history of migraines. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/15 in the right and left eyes. Funduscopic examination was unremarkable. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography revealed absence of the anatomical foveal pit with normal inner retinal morphology. Optical coherence tomography angiography confirmed a decreased foveal avascular zone; however, a vascular density analysis showed normal perfusion to the inner retinal plexuses.

CONCLUSIONS

Optical coherence tomography angiography is a rapid, noninvasive imaging modality that provides excellent insight into the microvasculature supply to the retina and choroid. As such, it allows for an in-depth analysis into the pathophysiology behind certain conditions such as foveal hypoplasia.
Case Report: Glaucoma-associated Peripapillary Retinoschisis with Corresponding Lamina Cribrosa Defect
Authors: Roberts Justin D. , Hunter Amanda , Mega Joseph , Cesaro Thomas , Greenberg Paul B.
Published: February 2020

SIGNIFICANCE

Peripapillary retinoschisis is associated with primary and secondary glaucoma. It is important that clinicians are familiar with the presentation and management of peripapillary retinoschisis to understand its effects on the patient's glaucoma and to avoid unnecessary referral when the macula is not involved.

PURPOSE

We present a case of peripapillary retinoschisis found incidentally on routine optical coherence tomographic (OCT) surveillance of primary open-angle glaucoma.

CASE REPORT

A 70-year-old man presented for his annual diabetic eye examination. Surveillance with OCT revealed a splitting of the inner peripapillary retina corresponding to a previously noted notch in the right optic nerve. Further imaging of the right eye using enhanced depth imaging OCT revealed a defect in the lamina cribrosa that may have contributed to the formation and persistence of peripapillary retinoschisis. Retinal nerve fiber layer analysis showed a 5-year history of progressive temporal and inferotemporal thickening in the right eye. The patient was managed conservatively with instruction on regular Amsler grid testing.

CONCLUSIONS

As seen in this case, peripapillary retinoschisis typically alters retinal nerve fiber layer thickness on OCT and can be mistakenly attributed to glaucomatous change. Glaucoma-associated peripapillary retinoschisis is usually not vision threatening and can be managed conservatively; in rare cases of progression to macular involvement, patients should be referred to a retina specialist.
Using Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography to Assess Angle Anatomy in Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Duru Zeynep , Altunel Orhan
Published: February 2020

SIGNIFICANCE

Lisch nodules have been identified in more than 90% of patients 16 years or older with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). According to our hypothesis, the presence of Lisch nodules in patients with NF1 might affect the anterior chamber angle (ACA) parameters.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anterior segment angle parameters using anterior segment optical coherence tomography in patients with NF1.

METHODS

A total of 42 eyes from 21 patients with NF1 (study group) and 42 eyes from 21 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals (control group) were included in this study. Angle opening distance at 500 (AOD500) and 750 μm (AOD750) anterior to the scleral spur, ACA, and iris thickness (IT) values were measured in the temporal (T) and nasal (N) quadrants using anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS

The mean AOD500 and AOD750 values in both quadrants were significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group (T-AOD500: 548 ± 151 vs. 761 ± 288 [P < .001], T-AOD750: 705 ± 175 vs. 921 ± 334 [P < .001], N-AOD500: 599 ± 223 vs. 777 ± 292 [P = .002], and N-AOD750: 756 ± 268 vs. 948 ± 303 [P = .003], respectively). The mean ACA values in both quadrants were significantly narrower in the study group compared with the control group (T-ACA: 29.52 ± 6.36 vs. 40.83 ± 8.90 [P < .001] and N-ACA: 30.05 ± 7.11 vs. 41.29 ± 8.68 [P < .001], respectively). The IT values in both quadrants were significantly thicker compared with the control group (T-IT500: 406 ± 78 vs. 355 ± 59 [P = .001], T-IT750: 453 ± 103 vs. 362 ± 100 [P < .001], N-IT500: 416 ± 93 vs. 353 ± 54 [P < .001], and N-IT750: 437 ± 91 vs. 370 ± 95 [P = .002], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

We have revealed lower angle opening distance values in individuals with NF1 than in the healthy ones, as well as significantly narrower ACA values and significantly thicker IT values.
Design of water harvesting towers and projections for water collection from fog and condensation
Authors: Bhushan Bharat
Published: February 2020

Fresh water sustains human life and is vital for human health. It is estimated that about 800 million people worldwide lack basic access to drinking water. About 2.2 billion people (nearly one-third of the global population) do not have access to a safe water supply, free of contamination. Also, over 2 billion people live in countries experiencing high water stress. Current supply of fresh water needs to be supplemented to meet future needs. Living nature has evolved species which can survive in the most arid regions of the world by water collection from fog and condensation in the night. Before the collected water evaporates, species have mechanisms to transport water for storage or consumption. These species possess unique chemistry and structures on or within the body for collection and transport of water. In this paper, an overview of arid desert conditions, water sources and plants and animals, lessons from nature for water harvesting, and water harvesting data from fog and condensation are presented. Consumer, emergency and defence applications are discussed and various designs of water harvesting towers and projections for water collection are presented.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science and technology (part 3)’
Clustering and self-organization in small-scale natural and artificial systems
Authors: Bormashenko Edward , Fedorets Alexander A. , Frenkel Mark , Dombrovsky Leonid A. , Nosonovsky Michael
Published: February 2020

Physical properties of clusters, i.e. systems composed of a ‘small’ number of particles, are qualitatively different from those of infinite systems. The general approach to the problem of clustering is suggested. Clusters, as they are seen in the graphs theory, are discussed. Various physical mechanisms of clustering are reviewed. Dimensional properties of clusters are addressed. The dimensionality of clusters governs to a great extent their properties. Weakly and strongly coupled clusters are discussed. Hydrodynamic and capillary interactions giving rise to clusters formation are surveyed. Levitating droplet clusters, turbulent clusters and droplet clusters responsible for the breath-figures self-assembly are considered. Entropy factors influencing clustering are considered. Clustering in biological systems results in non-equilibrium multi-scale assembly, where at each scale, self-driven components come together by consuming energy in order to form the hierarchical structure.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science and technology (part 3)’.
Elizabethkingia miricola bacteraemia in a haemodialysis patient
Authors: Howard Julia C. , Chen Kevin , Anderson Trevor , Dalton Simon C.
Published: February 2020

We report a case of catheter-associated Elizabethkingia miricola bacteraemia in a haemodialysis patient. The patient was a 73-year-old home haemodialysis patient who presented with a history of recurrent falls and fevers. Blood cultures grew Gram-negative bacilli identified by MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry 6903 MSP Library) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing as E. miricola. E. miricola is an emerging human pathogen and is multidrug-resistant, making the choice of antimicrobial therapy challenging. There are only a small number of case reports of human infection worldwide and this is the second reported case of catheter-related bacteraemia. It has also been found in the hospital environment in South Korea and is pathogenic in black-spotted frogs.