bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic stability of thin-walled structure elements considering hereditary and inhomogeneous properties of the material
Authors: Turaev F , Khudayarov B , Kucharov O , Rakhmatullaev A , Zhuvonov K , Gulomov O
Published: July 2020

The paper is devoted to the study of nonlinear problems of the dynamics of thin-walled structures considering hereditary and inhomogeneous properties of the material. To describe the processes of strain in viscoelastic materials, the Boltzmann-Volterra integral model with weakly singular hereditary kernels was used. Using the Bubnov-Galerkin method, the problem under consideration was reduced to solving the systems of nonlinear integrodifferential equations considering hereditary and inhomogeneous properties of the material and the radius of curvature of the structure. A computational algorithm was developed based on the elimination of the features of integrodifferential equations with weakly singular kernels, followed by the use of quadrature formulas. The results of calculating a thin-walled structure with hereditary and inhomogeneous properties of the material streamlined by a gas flow are presented. Solutions are obtained in the form of graphs.
Non-stationary oscillations of high-rise axisymmetric structures
Authors: Khudainazarov Sh , Donayev B , Yarashov J
Published: July 2020

Dynamic behavior of a high-rise structure is investigated in the paper taking into account linear and nonlinear strain and energy dissipation caused by internal friction in the building material under various kinematic effects. An algorithm and program have been developed for the dynamic calculation of high-rise axisymmetric structures under various dynamic effects. Unsteady oscillations of the high-rise axisymmetric structure represented by a one-dimensional model - a viscoelastic beam of the annular cross-section with a variable tilt of the generatrix and a variable thickness are considered. Dynamic behavior of a high-rise structure in the resonant mode under short-term pulsed effect, under prolonged pulsed effect, under the sinusoidal-damped effect, under real seismic impact is studied and the graphs of displacement changes over time of various points of the structures are plotted. It was found that the dynamic response of a high-rise structure is affected not only by the magnitude of the dynamic load but also by its frequency spectrum and duration. Under the impact of a frequency close to the natural vibration frequency of the structure, significant displacements occur, and, if the material does not possess dissipative properties, the structure could collapse, being in the resonant mode.
Possible methods analysis and optimization of the landslide slope stabilization in the reconstruction area of the escalator gallery on the Moscow River shore
Authors: Chunyuk D , Selviyan S , Selviyan A
Published: July 2020

This work solves the current task of construction on the landslide slope of the escalator gallery. The purpose of this work is to analyze and optimize various methods of stabilization of the soil mass and to identify the optimal solution for its strengthening. As a result of the calculations carried out, the most suitable option for strengthening the slope was found, which simultaneously had low material consumption and provided sufficient stability of the slope.
To numerical approach for calculation of underground structures
Authors: Miralimov M , Adilov F , Abirov R , Juraev D , Khazratkulov I
Published: July 2020

The new approach for numerical calculating of stress and strain state of underground structures is presented in this issue. The advantage of this method is using in design scheme a real diagram of concrete and reinforcement materials. Also, these calculations are allowed to trace the process of deformation of reinforced concrete in each of the sections of the structure. In the technique, static calculations of reinforced structural elements when changing their initial conditions or stress state after strengthening are carried out taking into account new data. A three-dimensional finite element calculation is also carried out while taking into account regulatory loads. Assessment of levels of tangential and tensile stresses in walls makes it possible to target reinforcement and parameters of monolithic stiffness belts. Numerical results for discussion are presented in this paper.
Barriers of Low Permeability to Water – Technical Solutions
Authors: Polańska B , Rybak J
Published: July 2020

The need of creating the barrier for inflow, access, flow-through, efflux, outflow, or lastly the effect of ground waters and dissolved solids results from as numerous (or surely more numerous) necessities as the number of “flows” specified above. Anti-filtration barriers can be grouped in many ways depending on the fundamental purpose required in hydraulic engineering and geoengineering. The study presents various aspects of creating waterproof barriers in the ground in the short and long term, discusses the most commonly used technological solutions, and finally provides examples of such actions and warns about possible consequences.
Classification of Brain Functional Connectivity using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Shahriman W N S , Phang C R , Numan F , Ting C M
Published: July 2020

Abnormalities and alterations in brain connectivity networks as measured using neuroimaging data has been increasingly used as biomarkers for various neuropsychiatric disorders. Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder associated with dysconnectivity in brain networks. In this paper, we develop a framework for automatic classification of healthy control and SCZ patient based on electroencephalogram (EEG) connectivity and compare the classification performance with conventional artificial neural network (ANN). We propose to use convolutional neural network (CNN) for the classification of brain functional connectivity between healthy control and SCZ groups. Vector autoregression (VAR) model is used to extract connectivity features from schizophrenia EEG signals and directed connectivity at different EEG frequency bands is computed via partial directed coherence (PDC). Results show that the classification with high accuracy is achievable using VAR model. From the result, the performance of CNN reaches 86.9% over five-fold cross validation that considered to be good accuracy for the CNN to do a good prediction. The results also show that time-domain VAR features performed better than frequency domain PDC features. CNN provides a more practical method in classification between healthy and schizophrenic brain connectivity.
Analysis of Breathing Patterns from Thermal Images Using an Automated Segmentation Method
Authors: Arzaee A H , Lee J K , Shakhih M F M , Al-Ashwal R , Wahab A A
Published: July 2020

Breathing is one of the important vital signs in diagnosing and monitoring for patients’ treatment and disease. Few modalities have been used to evaluate breathing activity such as respiratory belt, thermistor and capacitive sensor. However, these requires external attachments such as electrode or sensor which might be inconvenience over long period of time. Hence, we proposed the use of thermography as a contactless monitoring device. In this study, inspiration time and expiration time of three different breathing patterns such as normal, prolonged and rapid breathing patterns were measured by using the thermography. Thermal images obtained from the subjects were processed and analysed by using an automated segmentation method which integrate the knowledge of edge-based and region-based segmentation methods into the algorithm developed. The algorithm developed in this study has shown that the tracker was able to segment the region of interest of the thermal images automatically and it provides a more accurate and stable results than manual calculation method. Thus, three different types of breathing patterns could be identified based on the inspiration time to expiration time ratio. Results shows that there was less than 5% of relative error which suggest the benefit of this algorithm.
Virtual Instrument Based Real Time ECG Monitoring Device
Authors: Singh Om Prakash , Malarvili MB
Published: July 2020

This study presents a real-time ECG monitoring system based on a virtual instrument. The device was designed using surface electrode, lead wire, instrumentation amplifier (IN114), and passive low pass filter with cut-off frequency (fc, 180 Hz). Thereafter, the ECG signal was transferred via DAQ card by initializing the analog input and sampling rate to the Labview for further analysis. Further, digital notch filter (fc, 47 to 53 Hz), bandpass filter (fc, 0.05 to 20 Hz), and FIR high pass filter using Kaiser window (order-56, and fc – 3.5 Hz) was employed in order to remove the power line interference, detect fiducial point from ECG, and eliminate the baseline wondering. In addition, we examined the various wavelet to choose the best to use wavelet denoise based on signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Finding suggests the SNR (58.75 dB) of sym8 wavelet was higher comparing with another wavelet. Hence, the wavelet denoising was implemented into the developed device to remove the distortion and to detect the better peak in real time. Further, multiresolution analysis with Haar wavelet with the decomposing level of 1 was incorporated into the developed ECG monitoring device to detect the R-R peak, followed by automatic heart rate detection. Thus, this finding suggests the promising result that has the potential to assess the cardiovascular conditions. In future, the developed device will be tested with healthy subjects in order to standardize the functionality and significant features will be extracted from the morphology of ECG waveform for the analysis of cardiovascular diseases.
Material and chemical stability of using motor gasoline/automotive gasoline in piston engine aircrafts – a review
Authors: Kumar T , Mohsin R , Majid Z A , Ghafir M FA , Wash A M
Published: July 2020

Piston aircraft engines commonly operate on aviation gasoline (AVGAS) and motor gasoline (MOGAS). Engines such as JABIRU and Lycoming have the capability to run on both types of gasolines. Currently, MOGAS often comprises a specific percentage (3-10%) of bio-alcohol. In this regard, the material and chemical stability of MOGAS must be considered by aircraft operators to understand the possible impact of using this gasoline as aviation fuel. Some aircraft manufacturers recommend MOGAS to power aircraft engines, although AVGAS may still be employed as well. Some manufacturers are currently designing engines capable of operating on both types of fuels because in the future AVGAS would be less available compared to MOGAS. Operating a piston engine aircraft using MOGAS presents several issues owing to the side effects associated with ethanol contained in the blended fuel. This paper studies the factors affecting the use of MOGAS in piston aviation industry as the only approved fuel for piston aviation is AVGAS, a leaded fuel in terms of chemical and material stability and compatibility.
Development of Numerical Trigeneration System Cascade Analysis with Transmission and Storage Energy Losses Consideration
Authors: Jamaluddin K , Wan Alwi S R , Abdul Manan Z , Hamzah K , Klemeš J J
Published: July 2020

Depletion and rising prices of fossil fuel, as well as environmental pollution, have led the world to find energy-efficient technologies such as improvement of efficiency of the current energy systems. The thermal efficiency of the current systems can be improved from 30 – 40 % to 80 – 90% through implementation of trigeneration system. Trigeneration is a system which can improve the efficiency of the current energy systems by reusing the waste heat to produce power, heating and cooling from a single fuel. Pinch Analysis is a methodology which enables users to optimize the energy, water and other resources. Trigeneration System Cascade Analysis (TriGenSCA) is developed to minimize power, heating and cooling energies as well as obtain optimal sizing of the trigeneration system. In the previous TriGenSCA, transmission energy losses which contribute significantly to the final amount of energy arrived at the demand was not considered. This leads to an optimistic target for energy reduction. The objective of this work is to develop an extension of numerical insight-based Pinch Analysis methodology for optimal trigeneration system which considers energy losses in the transmission lines and storage systems. There are three major steps on developing TriGenSCA, which are data extraction, construction of TriGenSCA with transmission and storage energy losses, and comparison of TriGenSCA with and without transmission energy losses consideration. The transmission energy losses are included in the TriGenSCA where energy depleted due to the transportation of energy from the trigeneration system to the demand load, separated by 10 km of distances. Aluminium cable steel, carbon and stainless steel pipelines are used to transfer power and thermal energies to the demands. Based on the case study, the energy difference of TriGenSCA with and without transmission energy losses is 76.83 MWh/d. This shows huge energy is lost due to the transmission process. The development of this systematic methodology can give benefits to engineers, designers and power plant managers in order to determine the exact value of utility and thus, perform the optimal design of a trigeneration system.
Effects of the intensity of design live load on the seismic design modification factors of reinforced concrete frames
Authors: Alih S C , Vafaei M , Alhariri M , Ghanim I
Published: July 2020

Seismic design modification factors that include the response modification factor (R), the overstrength factor (Ω), and the displacement amplification factor (Cd) play a significant role in the seismic design of structures. The recommended values for these factors in seismic design codes are empirical and do not account for the differences in the intensity of the design live load in structures. This study investigates the change in the value of these factors as a result of the change in the intensity of the design live load. For this purpose, eighteen reinforced concrete frames with the different number of stories and ductility classes were designed and analyzed. Nonlinear static analysis was used to calculate the capacity curve of frames and their seismic response modification factors. Results indicated that the values of Ω and Cd for both low and high-ductile reinforced concrete frames decreased slightly as the intensity of design live load increased. An increase in the intensity of the design live load increased the R-factor in the high-ductile RC frames.
Multi-pollutant approach to model contaminants flow in surface and groundwater: A review
Authors: Wali S U , Alias N
Published: July 2020

Pollution of surface and groundwater is largely caused by anthropogenic activities and the natural geogenic processes. Most of the contaminants in surface and groundwater have a common origin. The aim of this review is to highlight the importance of multi-approach modeling of pollutants which is required for various reasons, owing to the availability of different types and sources of water pollutants. We attempted a systematic review to assess the current progress in modeling water pollution using multi-approach methods. Results showed that (9) out of the eleven (11) chosen studies have applied some forms of multi-approach modeling methods to examine pollutants in surface and groundwater. Results also suggest that there is an increased concern on understanding how pollutants are transported from sources to surface water and how impurities are transported to groundwater aquifers by infiltering surface flows. A major limitation of water quality models is that models assumed a uniform environmental setting and can simulate contaminants only in the gas and aqueous states. The rationality of contaminant modeling using multi-pollutant approaches is mostly problematical to validate because suitable field data is wanting for comparison. Therefore, the model output must be scrutinized within the context of the uncertainty of the model inputs, data limitations and consistently essential application of established standards from the literature.
Relationship Between Delay, Accepted Gap and Circulating Flow at Roundabout
Authors: Azhari S F , Hassan S A , Puan O C
Published: July 2020

Capacity and delay are critical parameters to evaluate roundabout performance. This paper is attempted to investigate the influence of circulating traffic flow and gap acceptance on roundabout delay. All the data related to the analysis were gathered at a three-leg roundabout located at Kulai in Johor using video camera technique. The data were analyzed using a regression analysis technique:simple regression and multi-linear regression. The simple regression results show there is an exponential relationship between the delay and circulating flow and a power relationship between the accepted gap and delay as well as between accepted gap and circulating flow. The result of the multi regression between the delay, circulating flow and accepted gap gives high R-value. Despite the high R-value, the p-value of the circulating flow and accepted gap were found higher than 0.05 at 95% confident level; due to the high correlation between circulating gap and the accepted gap. This result can be used as a basis in developing a delay model for the roundabout in Malaysia, taking into account the influence of the drivers’ behavior
Robust Watermarking Techniques against Compression Attack
Authors: Jeffry Mohd Aliff Faiz , Mammi Hazinah Kutty
Published: July 2020

Digital watermarking is a way to protect digital images from malicious attacks. Compression attack is one of the most common attacks on images uploaded to social media. Social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, have implemented a compression method for all types of media before being successfully uploaded to their server. It is designed to reduce the network bandwidth and storage needed to store each media on their server. However, the compression method used tends to tarnish the image properties of the image itself, which can be used to identify the image itself. This causes another problem, namely ownership and copyright issues. The use of digital watermarks was therefore proposed for this research to avoid the problem identified. The selected digital watermarking techniques, which are DCT-based Pyramid Transform (DCTPT), Two-Step Sudoku Method using LSB (TSSLSB), Semi-fragile Spatial Watermarking based on Local Binary Pattern Operator (SSWLBP) and Hybrid Schur and Singular Value Decomposition (HSSVD), theoretically must be able to withstand compression attacks by social media. These techniques have been simulated using the default MATLAB image dataset, but the use of photos taken by smartphones is a must for us to obtain useful metadata for real-world implementations. Some comprehensive analyses of the watermarking algorithms were done, and the findings were recorded in this paper.
Feature selection for malicious android applications using Symmetrical Uncert Attribute Eval method
Authors: al-kaaf H , Ali A , Shamsuddin S , Hassan S
Published: July 2020

The fast growth of tablets, smartphones has led to increase the usage of mobile applications. The Android apps have more popularity, however, the applications downloaded from third-party markets could be malware that may threaten the users’ privacy. Several works used techniques to detect normal apps from malicious apps based on mining requested permissions. However, there are some set of permissions that can occur in benign and malignant applications. Redundant features could reduce the detection rate and increase the false positive rate. In this paper, we have proposed feature selection methods to identify clean and malicious applications based on selecting a set combination of permission patterns using different classification algorithms such as sequential minimal optimization (SMO), decision Tree (J48) and Naive Bayes. The experimental results show that sequential minimal optimization (SMO) combining with SymmetricalUncertAttributeEval method achieved the highest accuracy rate of 0.88, with lowest false positive rate of 0.085 and highest precision of 0.910. And the findings prove that feature selection methods enhanced the result of classification.
Strategies to Integrate Design Process into TVET in Conducting Final Year Project
Authors: Hanafiah Khairul Anwar , Daud Mohd Fadzil Mohd , Taib Jamaludin Mohd , Dzakaria Afandi , Rahim Rabiatul Adibah Abdul , Rais Hasni , Basiran Zaim , Rahim Norisham A
Published: July 2020

Ministry of Education (MOE) has imposed the final year project as a design-based project and the requirement to graduate with vocational diploma. Guideline for final year project becomes the basis to conduct the project executed based on Final Year Project I and II course. To have an effective and standardized teaching and learning (T&L) environment, design process should be implemented in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Therefore, this paper proposes the strategies to integrate the design process in supervising, report writing, and assessing the final year project complying with the MOE guideline. The design process becomes the backbone due to its capability to sequence the design activities, integrate the various knowledge, and enhance the creativity towards the selection of the final design from a range of designs with their respective conflicting issues. The strategies include integration of the design process into the supervision, report writing, and assessing the course. These strategies will be implemented through workshop, feedback and student activities. Kolej Vokasional Kota Tinggi (KVKT) is selected to be the case study.
Mini-Review on Technology in Safety Training Delivery
Authors: Mohd Norhazren Izatie , Ariffin Hamizah Liyana Tajul , Nordin Muhammad Yusuf , Ramly Zuhaili Mohamad , Dzahir Mohd Azwarie Mat , Omar Siti Rahmah , Asmawii Mohammad Fahrulradzi
Published: July 2020

The construction site is in a constant state of fluidity. This constant change presents challenges for construction players who must be able to foresee hazardous conditions before they cause injuries or fatalities on the construction site. Nowadays, technology continuously improves the way the construction industry works. In line with the industrial revolution, technology evolution will improve the effectiveness of construction industry operation. Embracing technologies would benefits inefficiencies, diminishing cost and improve health and safety levels. Therefore, this paper sought to review the technologies that can be implemented in training delivery, especially for safety training. A systematic literature review has been conducted to determine suitable technology in assisting safety training. Based on the deductive content analysis, there are three types of technologies that can be used as an approach in training delivery. The findings of the study prevail which technology particularly will create digitally. It seems that this application of technology can provide a better approach to assess potential problems such as risks on the construction site. These technologies can be adapted to become a training module in order to enhance the productivity and minimise the occurrence of accidents in Malaysia construction industry.
Advances of Solar PV System Output Improvement through Cooling Technologies in Malaysia
Authors: Elias M A , Jais R M , Muda N , Hassan N E H
Published: July 2020

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panel is the most widely used renewable energy technology in Malaysia due to constant irradiation throughout the year as the country is located near the equator. According to the current state of the Malaysian weather, the ambient temperature is around 25°C and can go up to 30°C. The electrical efficiency of a PV panel is sensitive towards temperature where it is known that the power and efficiency decrease at the rate of ±0.5%/°C and ±0.05%/°C respectively as the ambient temperature increases [1]. This paper discusses the cooling of solar PV technologies, the methodologies of the cooling system and its effectiveness. Generally, the effectiveness of the studies conducted were derived from the solar PV panel temperature reduction and solar PV electricity power output increment. This paper elaborates the trend of methodologies for cooling of solar PV in Malaysian climate. The methodologies that were used by the researchers vary according to the specific objectives which can be categorized as active cooling and/or passive cooling. The gaps of the studies were also identified alongside with the possible solutions to mitigate the problems.
Blockchain-based Internet of Thing for Smart River Monitoring System
Authors: Tajudin M K , Sarijari M A , Ibrahim A K M , Rashid R A
Published: July 2020

The river plays an important role in the source of water in Malaysia as it is a part of the water cycle while acting as a drainage channel for surface water. One of the major threats to its sustainability is water pollution. The conventional methods for monitoring the water quality in the river are manual and continuous monitoring that will be costly and less efficient. Hence, this paper proposes the Internet of Things (IoT) as a promising technique that can provide real-time monitoring and enhances the efficiency of data collection. To make the data secure and trustworthy, blockchain technology will be used as a platform for all the data transaction in real time. The proposed system will provide a better solution to monitor the quality of the river and for the user to interact, retrieve and analyse real and historical data.
Development of an Onboard and Wireless Data Telemetry Systems for Electric Vehicle
Authors: Sundralingam K , Abu Bakar S.A , Said M.F.M. , Muralitharan M.
Published: July 2020

This research aims to design and develop a data monitoring and acquisition system of an onboard and wireless data telemetry system for electric vehicle. The scopes of this research are sensor integrations (6DOF IMU sensor and voltage sensor), creating a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for onboard monitoring system, conducting tests on data acquired by systems and connection’s durability testing for the developed systems. The onboard system consists of Arduino Uno, sensors, a serial communication module, LCD display and a memory card which is fitted onto RC car for data recording. The data is transmitted to the wireless system via radio frequency through the serial communication module. The wireless system consisting of Arduino Uno and a serial communication module are connected to a laptop. The data collected from both systems are compared to ensure minimal data losses. It is found that there are no data losses between the data transmitted and received. As an outcome from this research, a telemetry system has been developed to be used on RC cars.
The effect of different motor constants to an commercial propeller
Authors: Wahid M Ab , Asmi A N , Othman N , Ardani M I , Zain M Z Md , Mansor S
Published: July 2020

This paper discussed the performance of a propeller with different motor constants such as the speed constants and motor resistance. The performance that was compared are the thrust, torque and total efficiency. There are many motors developed by the manufacturer, but the datasheet given are not complete and lack the information such as rotational speed and torque. This information is useful for designers and hobbyists to size their UAV or multicopter. In the market, there are many types of motors that make it difficult to choose the best motor. This research will perform analysis from the datasheet obtained from the manufacturer to see the effects of different motors to the propeller performance. It was gathered that for lower Kv
such as KV980, it is better when higher torque than thrust is required. But for motor with speed constant above 1250 to 1400, the choice of motor will not have significant effect on the propeller performance. However, when size increase with higher Kv
(more than 1400) the efficiency will drop.
Black Box Modelling and Simulating the Dynamic Indoor Relative Humidity of a Laboratory Using Autoregressive–moving-average (ARMA) Model
Authors: Hussein S F M , Mohd Fitri Alif M K , Al Rabeei A O , Faruq A , Zulkapli S M , Noorazizi M S , Zaki S A , Abdullah S S
Published: July 2020

Modelling and simulation of the dynamic indoor relative humidity behaviour of a building is essential to test any proposed thermal comfort controller and strategy in the building. Like other plants, the dynamic indoor relative humidity behaviour of a building can be developed based on the white box model, black box model, and grey box model. This research focuses on the usage of autoregressive–moving-average (ARMA) model, a type of black box model to represent the dynamic indoor relative humidity behaviour of Industrial Instrumentation Laboratory at Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), UniversitiTeknologi Malaysia (UTM) Kuala Lumpur and uses the real recorded data from the laboratory and minimal knowledge regarding the physical characteristics of the humidity behaviour in the laboratory. The performance of the ARMA model developed in this research is compared with the real recorded data from the laboratory. Result obtained shows that the ARMA model is enough for modelling and simulating the dynamic indoor relative humidity behaviour of the laboratory
The Effect of Flow Variations to Vibration Tendency in A Hydraulic Manifold
Authors: Ali Norazhar , Osman Kahar , Zawawi Fazila Mohd , Yazid Muhammad Noor Afiq Witri Muhammad
Published: July 2020

A hydraulic manifold is an important component in hydraulic machinery to convey hydraulic oil under high pressure into hydraulic tube and hose for cleaning purpose. Due to high pressure during operation, the process induces vibration and leakage can occur at the exit ports of hydraulic manifold. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of pressure and velocity variations in hydraulic manifold with respect to vibration tendency. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to simulate the hydraulic manifold fluid behaviours, under various operating conditions. The result shows that fluctuations in pressure and velocity occurs at each branch in a mainstream due to changes of the area and geometrical shape. We also observed surge of pressure but reduction in velocity at each branch. Overall, the results show the most affected areas are those near the inlet. Areas further downstream are not significantly changed by the increments.
Numerical Investigation of Beta Ratio and Reynolds Number Effect on Coefficient of Discharge of Venturimeter
Authors: Kaladgi Abdul Razak , Mukhtar Arafat , Afzal Asif , Kareemullah Mohammed , Ramis M K
Published: July 2020

The present work is intended to give information on the construction and performance of the venturimeter. It also indicates the need for more effective utilization of venturimeter and offers a conceptual design of a venturimeter for determining the flow rate of a fluid flowing through the pipe. The experiment was conducted with three different Beta ratios (β) of 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 installed in a pipe of 2.54cm diameter with water as a working fluid. The study mainly focused on the effects of beta ratio and Reynolds number on coefficient of discharge. A two-dimensional model of venturimeter with different Beta ratios (β) was also created to do simulation & compare the numerical results with the experiments and to further explore the capability of the CFD code Ansys Fluent© to visualize the flow patterns in the venturimeter, recognize eddies and wake regions at diverging part and to plot and compare velocity profiles and pressure distribution at selected zones in the venturimeter. It was seen that the change in beta ratio and Reynolds number has considerable impact on Coefficient of discharge.
Mechanical stress triggers nuclear remodeling and the formation of transmembrane actin nuclear lines with associated nuclear pore complexes
Authors: Hoffman Laura M. , Smith Mark A. , Jensen Christopher C. , Yoshigi Masaaki , Blankman Elizabeth , Ullman Katharine S. , Beckerle Mary C.
Published: July 2020

Mechanical force induces multiple intracellular responses, including actin cytoskeletal and nuclear remodeling. We report a reliable experimental approach to study the effects of directional mechanical stress on cytoskeletal and nuclear structure and function, providing a foundation for cell biological studies of mechanical response.
Mechanisms of Alcohol Addiction: Bridging Human and Animal Studies
Authors: Kramer John , Dick Danielle M , King Andrea , Ray Lara A , Sher Kenneth J , Vena Ashley , Vendruscolo Leandro F , Acion Laura
Published: July 2020

Aim

The purpose of this brief narrative review is to address the complexities and benefits of extending animal alcohol addiction research to the human domain, emphasizing Allostasis and Incentive Sensitization, two models that inform many pre-clinical and clinical studies.

Methods

The work reviewed includes a range of approaches, including: a) animal and human studies that target the biology of craving and compulsive consumption; b) human investigations that utilize alcohol self-administration and alcohol challenge paradigms, in some cases across 10 years; c) questionnaires that document changes in the positive and negative reinforcing effects of alcohol with increasing severity of addiction; and d) genomic structural equation modeling based on data from animal and human studies.

Results

Several general themes emerge from specific study findings. First, positive reinforcement is characteristic of early stage addiction and sometimes diminishes with increasing severity, consistent with both Allostasis and Incentive Sensitization. Second, evidence is less consistent for the predominance of negative reinforcement in later stages of addiction, a key tenant of Allostasis. Finally, there are important individual differences in motivation to drink at a given point in time as well as person-specific change patterns across time.

Conclusions

Key constructs of addiction, like stage and reinforcement, are by necessity operationalized differently in animal and human studies. Similarly, testing the validity of addiction models requires different strategies by the two research domains. Although such differences are challenging, they are not insurmountable, and there is much to be gained in understanding and treating addiction by combining pre-clinical and clinical approaches.
Coping with Sea-Level Rise in African Protected Areas: Priorities for Action and Adaptation Measures
Authors: Brito José C , Naia Marisa
Published: July 2020

Sea-level rise, a consequence of climate change, is progressively affecting coastal areas around the globe. In turn, protected areas are keystones for protecting coastal biodiversity and the ecosystems services ensuring sustainable livelihoods. Effective management and adaptation plans are needed to maintain ecological function and integrity. In the present article, we used a coastal digital elevation model to simulate inundation surfaces and a prioritization index for ranking management interventions in 278 coastal protected areas from 27 African countries. Of these, 15 areas and eight countries demonstrated a high need for proactive management actions because of high levels of biodiversity, international conservation relevance, and exposure to sea-level rise. From the array of management actions available, tailored solutions are being implemented according to the morphology and location of the areas. Concerted action by international, government, and local partners is required for successful protection of the areas, including implementation of adaptive plans and monitoring progress schemes.
Disparity between morphology and genetics inUrtica dioica(Urticaceae)
Authors: Rejlová Ludmila , Böhmová Alžběta , Chumová Zuzana , Hořčicová Šárka , Josefiová Jiřina , Schmidt Philipp-André , Trávníček Pavel , Urfus Tomáš , Vít Petr , Chrtek Jindřich
Published: July 2020

Polyploidization is generally considered a major evolutionary force that can alter the genetic diversity, morphology, physiology and ecology of plants. One striking example is the polyploid Urtica dioica complex, in which diploid taxa are often found in remote and partly relictual geographical ranges, in contrast to tetraploid individuals, which have an unknown evolutionary history and occur in a variety of synanthropic habitats. We used a set of 279 plants, evenly representing the geographical and morphological variation of U. dioica s.l. in Europe and Southwest Asia, and employed multivariate and geometric morphometrics and Hyb-Seq sequencing to estimate the extent of differentiation of diploid taxa and the ubiquitous tetraploid cytotype. Diploid subspecies form more-or-less separate clusters in morphological analyses, but our molecular evaluation did not reveal any structure. Moreover, tetraploids coalesced with diploids in both morphological and molecular analyses. This disparity between morphological and molecular data might be driven by (1) local adaptation of the diploid cytotype that is mirrored in specific phenotypes, (2) only recent genetic diversification of the group and (3) homoploid and heteroploid hybridization events.
Response of Protective Enzymes in Western Flower Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) to Two Leguminous Plants
Authors: Liu Li , Hou Xiao-Lin , Yue Wen-Bo , Xie Wen , Zhang Tao , Zhi Jun-Rui
Published: July 2020

The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, is a major invasive pest of commercially important crops worldwide. We compared the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) and the expressions of two putative SOD and two putative POD sequences in second instar larvae and adults after three generations of adaptation to kidney bean and broad bean plants. The results showed that the SOD, POD, and CAT activities in adults were significantly higher than those in the second instar larvae. The SOD activities were significantly higher in both the second instar larvae and the adults fed on kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) plants versus broad bean (Vicia faba) plants, whereas the POD and CAT activities showed the opposite trend. The gene expression data showed that the FoPOD-2 expression levels were lower in the second instar larvae after three generations of feeding on broad bean plants versus kidney bean plants. The expression levels of FoSOD-1 and FoSOD-2, and FoPOD-1 under broad bean plant treatment were higher than those under kidney bean plant treatment. Additionally, gene expression fluctuated among the different generations. Our results indicated that western flower thrips demonstrated plasticity in gene expression and activity of protective enzymes, which is related to their adaptability to the host plants. Western flower thrips can change the expression of protective enzyme genes and enzyme activity in vivo to better adapt to kidney bean and broad bean plants.
Drug-induced ‘Torsade de Pointes’ in a COVID-19 patient despite discontinuation of chloroquine. Importance of its long half-life: a case report
Authors: Semedo Edimir , Kapel Gijs F , van Opstal Jurren , van Dessel Pascal F H M
Published: July 2020

Background

Early studies have led to the repositioning of a subgroup of antimalarial agents (e.g. chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine) as antiviral treatment in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. These drugs are now being prescribed based on small non-controlled studies, but larger controlled studies have yet to demonstrate the positive effect of these drugs. In addition, these drugs are also known for their QT interval-prolonging effect associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Case summary

We present a case of a 66-year-old female admitted to the intensive care unit with respiratory failure due to COVID-19. She was treated with chloroquine (QTc interval at baseline was 429 ms). Despite cessation of chloroquine, but after the start of erythromycin, she developed severe QTc interval prolongation (QTc interval 550 ms) and ‘Torsade de Pointes’. Two weeks after cessation of all QTc interval-prolonging drugs, the QTc interval was restored.

Discussion

The elimination half-life of chloroquine ranges from days up to weeks. Even after discontinuation of chloroquine, ECG monitoring in COVID-19 patients is warranted. We recommend observation of the QT interval after cessation of chloroquine in cases where other potentially QT interval-prolonging drugs are introduced.
The impact of EU cartel policy reforms on the timing of settlements in private follow-on damages disputes—an empirical assessment of cases from 2001 to 2015
Authors: Friederiszick Hans W. , Gratz Linda , Rauber Michael
Published: July 2020

Private cartel damages litigation is on the rise in Europe since early 2000. This development has been initiated by the European courts and was supported by various policy initiatives of the European Commission, which found its culmination in the implementation of the EU Directive on Antitrust Damages end of 2016. This article explores the impact of this reform process on effective compensation of damaged parties of cartel infringements. For that purpose, we analyse all European cartel cases with a decision date between 2001 and 2015, for which we analyse litigation activity and speed. Overall, we find a substantial reduction of the time until the first settlement (increase in litigation speed) together with a persisting high share of cases being litigated (high litigation activity). This supports the view that the reform not only increased the claimant’s expectation about the amount of damages being awarded but also resulted in an alignment in the expectations of claimants and defendants in the final damages amount, ie the European Commission succeeded in reaching its objective to clarify and harmonize legal concepts across Europe.
Results Multi-Laboratory Trial ISO/CD 22184 – IDF/WD 244: Milk and milk products – Determination of the sugar contents – High performance anion exchange chromatography method with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD)
Authors: Brunt Kommer , Sanders Peter , Nota Veronica Ernste , van Soest J
Published: July 2020

Background

In this international Multi Laboratory Trial (MLT) the precision data and the accuracy of the ISO/CD 22184 IDF/WD 244 analytical method for the quantification of 6 different mono- and disaccharides (galactose, glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose and maltose) in milk and milk products with high performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) are established.

Objective

Thirteen different laboratories participated (located in New Zealand, United States, Europe). The study was divided into two parts. Firstly, the learning/familiarization part in which the participants got experienced with the method. After successfully completing this part, the participants were allowed to continue with the second part of this trial: the analyses of the seven blind MLT duplicate samples.

Method

The selected seven MLT samples comprise five MUVA reference dairy samples, one NIST certified infant formula and one industrial sample. In the Tables S-1 to S-6 the results of this MLT study have been summarized per sugar. There is a very good agreement between the MUVA and NIST certified sugar contents in the MLT samples and the in the MLT established sugar contents in those MUVA and NIST samples.

Results

This demonstrates that the accuracy of the newly developed HPAEC-PAD method is very good.

Conclusions

Certificates of analysis were available for both the MUVA samples and the NIST sample. There is a very good agreement between the by MUVA and NIS certified sugar contents in the MLT samples and the corresponding in the MLT established sugar contents. This demonstrates that the accuracy of the HPAEC-PAD method is very good.

In the IDF/ISO Analytical Week in June 2019 in Prague the report on the MLT study were discussed and adopted.
Intravenous Albumin in Patients With Cirrhosis: Evaluation of Practice Patterns and Secular Trends of Usage in Ontario 2000 to 2017
Authors: Rodrigues David Mario , Djerboua Maya , Flemming Jennifer A
Published: July 2020

Background

Intravenous (IV) albumin has evidence-based indications in cirrhosis that are limited in most guidelines to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) and large volume paracentesis (LVP).

This study aimed to describe the trends of IV albumin usage in patients with cirrhosis at the population level and evaluate indications for IV albumin in the hospital setting.

Methods

A retrospective study identified albumin infusions in health care data from Ontario, Canada between 2000 and 2017 in those with and without cirrhosis. Annual rates of IV albumin by cirrhosis status were calculated per 10,000 person-years (PY) and described using Poisson regression and rate ratios. Secondly, patients with cirrhosis receiving IV albumin while hospitalized at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) in 2017 were identified and underwent detailed chart abstraction to determine the reason for IV albumin administration.

Results

The overall rate of provincial IV albumin usage doubled over the study period (2000: 8.4/10,000 PY versus 2017: 16.3/10,000 PY; rate ratio 1.94, 95% confidence interval 1.90 to 1.99, P <0.001). The majority of albumin was used during hospitalization (88%) and 22% was used in patients with cirrhosis. At KHSC, there were134 admissions where a patient with cirrhosis received IV albumin. Of these, 49% of prescriptions were for evidence-based indications (LVP 30%, type 1 HRS 10%, SBP 10%), whereas other indications included non-HRS renal failure, hypovolemia and sepsis.

Conclusion

IV albumin use has doubled over two decades and is frequently used in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis with only 50% being prescribed for evidence-based indications. These results highlight the impact of cirrhosis on albumin use and highlight potential quality improvement opportunities.
Modified Green–Lindsay thermoelasticity wave propagation in elastic materials under thermal shocks
Authors: Shakeriaski Farshad , Ghodrat Maryam , Escobedo-Diaz Juan , Behnia Masud
Published: July 2020

In this study, a nonlinear numerical method is presented to solve the governing equations of generalized thermoelasticity in a large deformation domain of an elastic medium subjected to thermal shock. The main focus of the study is on the modified Green–Lindsay thermoelasticity theory, solving strain and temperature rate-dependent model using finite strain theory. To warrant the continuity of the finding responses at the boundary after the applied shock, higher order elements are adopted. An analytical solution is provided to validate the numerical findings and an acceptable agreement between the two presented solutions is obtained. The findings revealed that stress and thermal waves have distinct interactions and a harmonic temperature variation may lead to a systematic uniform stress distribution. Besides, a notable difference in the results predicted by the modified Green–Lindsay model and classic theory is observed. It is also found that the modified Green–Lindsay theory is more efficient in determining the wave propagation phenomenon. Furthermore, the findings established that thermal shock induces tensile stresses in the structure immediately after the shock, and the perceived phenomenon mainly depends on the defined boundary conditions. The results show that the strain rate can have a significant influence on the displacement and stress wave propagation in a structure subjected to thermal shock and these impacts may be more considerable with mechanical loading.