bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential of Thirteen Urban Greening Plants to Capture Particulate Matter on Leaf Surfaces across Three Levels of Ambient Atmospheric Pollution
Authors: Li Yanmei , Wang Shaojun , Chen Qibo
Published: February 2019

The potential of urban greening plants to capture particulate matter (PM) from the ambient atmosphere is contingent on interactions between the level of pollution and leaf surfaces. For this study, thirteen plant species were investigated to quantify their capacity of PM accumulation under three atmospheric environments, that is, industrial, traffic and university campus (control), in Kunming City (Southwest China). The sampled sites represented different pollution levels (that is, high pollution, slight pollution and clean air, respectively). The plant species differed in their accumulation of PM by six- to eight-fold across the three sites. Magnolia grandiflora was the most efficient evergreen tree species, whereas Platanus acerifolia had the highest capture of PM among deciduous trees. The accumulation capacity of the same species varied with the degree of pollution. For example, Osmanthus fragrans, Loropetalum chinense and Cinnamomum japonicum were highly efficient for the capture of PM in the traffic and university campus areas; however, they exhibited medium accumulation in the industrial area. Prunus majestica demonstrated an intermediate accumulation capacity in the industrial area, but was low in the traffic and university campus areas. The capturing capacity of the same genus was also different among the different levels of pollution. For example, C. japonicum had a 2.9–4.2-times higher PM accumulation than did C. camphora across the three sites. There were significant differences in leaf surface area, stomata density/length, guard cell area, and trichome density/length among these species. The species-specific efficacy of PM capture was primarily contributed to by leaf size and surface roughness, stomata density, and trichome length. In particular, hairy-leaf leaves with medium stomatal density exhibited higher PM capture. Therefore, leaf micromorphology, leaf size and longevity appeared to be significant predictive factors for the accumulation of PM, which may aid in the selection of greening plant species for the remediation of pollutants in urban areas.
A Generic Framework for Combining Multiple Segmentations in Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis
Authors: Lefèvre Sébastien , Sheeren David , Tasar Onur
Published: February 2019

The Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA) paradigm relies strongly on the segmentation concept, i.e., partitioning of an image into regions or objects that are then further analyzed. Segmentation is a critical step, for which a wide range of methods, parameters and input data are available. To reduce the sensitivity of the GEOBIA process to the segmentation step, here we consider that a set of segmentation maps can be derived from remote sensing data. Inspired by the ensemble paradigm that combines multiple weak classifiers to build a strong one, we propose a novel framework for combining multiple segmentation maps. The combination leads to a fine-grained partition of segments (super-pixels) that is built by intersecting individual input partitions, and each segment is assigned a segmentation confidence score that relates directly to the local consensus between the different segmentation maps. Furthermore, each input segmentation can be assigned some local or global quality score based on expert assessment or automatic analysis. These scores are then taken into account when computing the confidence map that results from the combination of the segmentation processes. This means the process is less affected by incorrect segmentation inputs either at the local scale of a region, or at the global scale of a map. In contrast to related works, the proposed framework is fully generic and does not rely on specific input data to drive the combination process. We assess its relevance through experiments conducted on ISPRS 2D Semantic Labeling. Results show that the confidence map provides valuable information that can be produced when combining segmentations, and fusion at the object level is competitive w.r.t. fusion at the pixel or decision level.
Transcriptome Analysis of Watermelon Leaves Reveals Candidate Genes Responsive to Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus Infection
Authors: Sun Yuyan , Fan Min , He Yanjun
Published: February 2019

Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) is a member of the genus Tobamovirus, which cause diseases in cucurbits, especially watermelon. In watermelon, symptoms develop on the whole plant, including leaves, stems, peduncles, and fruit. To better understand the molecular mechanisms of watermelon early responses to CGMMV infection, a comparative transcriptome analysis of 24 h CGMMV-infected and mock-inoculated watermelon leaves was performed. A total of 1641 differently expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, with 886 DEGs upregulated and 755 DEGs downregulated after CGMMV infection. A functional analysis indicated that the DEGs were involved in photosynthesis, plant–pathogen interactions, secondary metabolism, and plant hormone signal transduction. In addition, a few transcription factor families, including WRKY, MYB, HLH, bZIP and NAC, were responsive to the CGMMV-induced stress. To confirm the high-throughput sequencing results, 15 DEGs were validated by qRT-PCR analysis. The results provide insights into the identification of candidate genes or pathways involved in the responses of watermelon leaves to CGMMV infection.
The Link Between Inflammaging and Degenerative Joint Diseases
Authors: Rezuș Elena , Cardoneanu Anca , Burlui Alexandra , Luca Andrei , Codreanu Cătălin , Tamba Bogdan Ionel , Stanciu Gabriela-Dumitrița , Dima Nicoleta , Bădescu Codruța , Rezuș Ciprian
Published: February 2019

Aging is an inevitable process in the human body that is associated with a multitude of systemic and localized changes. All these conditions have a common pathogenic mechanism characterized by the presence of a low-grade proinflammatory status. Inflammaging refers to all the processes that contribute to the occurrence of various diseases associated with aging such as frailty, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, sarcopenia, type 2 diabetes, or osteoarthritis. Inflammaging is systemic, chronic, and asymptomatic. Osteoarthritis and many age-related degenerative joint diseases are correlated with aging mechanisms such as the presence of an inflammatory microenvironment and the impaired link between inflammasomes and autophagy. There is a close relationship between chondrocyte activity and local articular environment changes due to cell senescence, followed by secretion of inflammatory mediators. In addition, systemic inflammaging can lead to cartilage destruction, pain, disability, and an impaired quality of life. The purpose of this review is to summarize the main mechanisms implicated in inflammaging and the connection it has with degenerative joint diseases.
Biomaterials: Foreign Bodies or Tuners for the Immune Response?
Authors: Mariani Erminia , Lisignoli Gina , Borzì Rosa Maria , Pulsatelli Lia
Published: February 2019

The perspectives of regenerative medicine are still severely hampered by the host response to biomaterial implantation, despite the robustness of technologies that hold the promise to recover the functionality of damaged organs and tissues. In this scenario, the cellular and molecular events that decide on implant success and tissue regeneration are played at the interface between the foreign body and the host inflammation, determined by innate and adaptive immune responses. To avoid adverse events, rather than the use of inert scaffolds, current state of the art points to the use of immunomodulatory biomaterials and their knowledge-based use to reduce neutrophil activation, and optimize M1 to M2 macrophage polarization, Th1 to Th2 lymphocyte switch, and Treg induction. Despite the fact that the field is still evolving and much remains to be accomplished, recent research breakthroughs have provided a broader insight on the correct choice of biomaterial physicochemical modifications to tune the reaction of the host immune system to implanted biomaterial and to favor integration and healing.
The Efficacy of Selected Synthetic Insecticides and Botanicals against Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, in Maize
Authors: Sisay Birhanu , Tefera Tadele , Wakgari Mulatu , Ayalew Gashawbeza , Mendesil Esayas
Published: February 2019

Fall armyworm (FAW) was reported for the first time in Africa in 2016. FAW is widely distributed in Ethiopia, causing significant damage to maize. Nine synthetic insecticides belonging to different chemical groups and 11 pesticidal plants (botanicals) were tested for their efficacy against FAW under laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions. In the laboratory, Radiant, Tracer, Karate, and Ampligo caused over 90% larval mortality 72 h after application. Malathion had moderate activity, causing 51.7% mortality 72 h after application, while Carbaryl was less effective, causing 28% mortality 72 h after application. In the greenhouse experiment, all synthetic insecticides reduced foliar damage to maize compared to the untreated control. Chemical sprays did not affect plant height, stem thickness, or leaf number. The highest fresh weight (471 g) was obtained from plants treated with Radiant. Among the botanicals tested, Azadirachta indica, Schinnus molle, and Phytolacca dodecandra resulted in the highest percentage larval mortality (>95%) 72 h after application. In the field, non-treated control plants showed extensive leaf injury compared to the synthetic insecticide- and botanical-treated plants. The synthetic insecticides and botanicals that showed high efficacy against FAW larvae can be used as components for integrated pest management (IPM) plans for FAW under smallholder farmer conditions in Ethiopia and elsewhere in Africa.
White Matter Changes in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Associated Factors
Authors: Kao Yi-Hui , Chou Mei-Chuan , Chen Chun-Hung , Yang Yuan-Han
Published: February 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is traditionally thought of as a neurodegenerative disease. Recent evidence shows that beta amyloid-independent vascular changes and beta amyloid-dependent neuronal dysfunction both equally influence the disease, leading to loss of structural and functional connectivity. White matter changes (WMCs) in the brain are commonly observed in dementia patients. The effect of vascular factors on WMCs and the relationship between WMCs and severity of AD in patients remain to be clarified. We recruited 501 clinically diagnosed probable AD patients with a series of comprehensive neuropsychological tests and brain imaging. The WMCs in cerebral CT or MRI were rated using both the modified Fazekas scale and the combined CT-MRI age related WMC (ARWMC) rating scale. Periventricular WMCs were observed in 79.4% of the patients and deep WMCs were also seen in 48.7% of the patients. WMC scores were significantly higher in the advanced dementia stage in periventricular WMCs (p = 0.001) and total ARWMCs (p < 0.001). Age and disease severity were both independently associated with WMCs score, particularly in the total, frontal and parieto-occipital areas. Vascular factors including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and gender were not significantly associated with WMCs. In conclusion, both age and severity of dementia were significantly associated with WMCs in AD patients. These associations highlight future research targets.
Lower Plasma Magnesium, Measured by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, is Associated with Increased Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Women: Results from a Dutch Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Schutten Joëlle C. , Gomes-Neto António W. , Navis Gerjan , Gansevoort Ron T. , Dullaart Robin P. F. , Kootstra-Ros Jenny E. , Danel Richard M. , Goorman Frans , Gans Rijk O. B. , de Borst Martin H. , Jeyarajah Elias J. , Shalaurova Irina , Otvos James D. , Connelly Margery A. , Bakker Stephan J. L.
Published: February 2019

Background: Low circulating magnesium (Mg) is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to study the performance of a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based assay that quantifies ionized Mg in EDTA plasma samples and prospectively investigate the association of Mg with the risk of T2DM. Methods: The analytic performance of an NMR-based assay for measuring plasma Mg was evaluated. We studied 5747 subjects free of T2DM at baseline in the Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-stage Disease (PREVEND) study. Results: Passing–Bablok regression analysis, comparing NMR-measured ionized Mg with total Mg measured by the Roche colorimetric assay, produced a correlation of r = 0.90, with a slope of 1.08 (95% CI: 1.00–1.13) and an intercept of 0.02 (95% CI: −0.02–0.08). During a median follow-up period of 11.2 (IQR: 7.7–12.0) years, 289 (5.0%) participants developed T2DM. The association of NMR-measured ionized Mg with T2DM risk was modified by sex (Pinteraction = 0.007). In women, we found an inverse association between Mg and the risk of developing T2DM, independent of adjustment for potential confounders (HR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.20–2.70). In men, we found no association between Mg and the risk of developing T2DM (HR: 0.90; 95%: 0.67–1.21). Conclusion: Lower NMR-measured plasma ionized Mg was independently associated with a higher risk of developing T2DM in women, but not in men.
VARIFI—Web-Based Automatic Variant Identification, Filtering and Annotation of Amplicon Sequencing Data
Authors: Krunic Milica , Venhuizen Peter , Müllauer Leonhard , Kaserer Bettina , von Haeseler Arndt
Published: February 2019

Fast and affordable benchtop sequencers are becoming more important in improving personalized medical treatment. Still, distinguishing genetic variants between healthy and diseased individuals from sequencing errors remains a challenge. Here we present VARIFI, a pipeline for finding reliable genetic variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions and deletions (indels)). We optimized parameters in VARIFI by analyzing more than 170 amplicon-sequenced cancer samples produced on the Personal Genome Machine (PGM). In contrast to existing pipelines, VARIFI combines different analysis methods and, based on their concordance, assigns a confidence score to each identified variant. Furthermore, VARIFI applies variant filters for biases associated with the sequencing technologies (e.g., incorrectly identified homopolymer-associated indels with Ion Torrent). VARIFI automatically extracts variant information from publicly available databases and incorporates methods for variant effect prediction. VARIFI requires little computational experience and no in-house compute power since the analyses are conducted on our server. VARIFI is a web-based tool available at varifi.cibiv.univie.ac.at.
Combating Land Degradation and Desertification: The Land-Use Planning Quandary
Authors: Briassoulis Helen
Published: February 2019

Land-use planning (LUP), an instrument of land governance, is often employed to protect land and humans against natural and human-induced hazards, strengthen the resilience of land systems, and secure their sustainability. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) underlines the critical role of appropriate local action to address the global threat of land degradation and desertification (LDD) and calls for the use of local and regional LUP to combat LDD and achieve land degradation neutrality. The paper explores the challenges of putting this call into practice. After presenting desertification and the pertinent institutional context, the paper examines whether and how LDD concerns enter the stages of the LUP process and the issues arising at each stage. LDD problem complexity, the prevailing mode of governance, and the planning style endorsed, combined with LDD awareness, knowledge and perception, value priorities, geographic particularities and historical circumstances, underlie the main challenges confronting LUP; namely, adequate representation of LDD at each stage of LUP, conflict resolution between LDD-related and development goals, need for cooperation, collaboration and coordination of numerous and diverse actors, sectors, institutions and policy domains from multiple spatial/organizational levels and uncertainty regarding present and future environmental and socio-economic change. In order to realize the integrative potential of LUP and foster its effectiveness in combating LDD at the local and regional levels, the provision of an enabling, higher-level institutional environment should be prioritized to support phrοnetic-strategic integrated LUP at lower levels, which future research should explore theoretically, methodologically and empirically.
Slot-and-Frame Schemas in the Language of a Polish- and English-Speaking Child: The Impact of Usage Patterns on the Switch Placement
Authors: Gaskins Dorota , Backus Ad , Quick Antje Endesfelder
Published: February 2019

How does the bilingual child assemble her first multiword constructions? Can switch placement in bilingual combinations be explained by language usage? This study traces the emergence of frozen and semi-productive patterns throughout the diary collection period (0;10.10–2;2.00) to document the acquisition of constructions. Subsequently the focus falls on most frequently produced monolingual and bilingual combinations captured through 30 video recordings (1;10.16–2;5.11) which are linked to the diary data to confirm their productivity. First, we verify that like in monolingual development, frequency-based piecemeal acquisition of constructions can be reproduced in our bilingual diary data: in the child’s earliest combinations 87% are deemed as semi-productive slot-and-frame patterns. Second, video recordings show that productivity, understood as a function of type frequency, plays a role in determining the switch placement in early bilingual combinations only to some extent. A more accurate explanation for why frames from one language take slot fillers from another is their autonomous use and semantic independence. We also highlight limitations of input: while the child was raised with two languages separated in the input, she continued to switch languages which suggests that switching is developmental.
Legal Capacity and Supported Decision-Making: Lessons from Some Recent Legal Reforms
Authors: Martinez-Pujalte Antonio
Published: February 2019

Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities calls for a thorough review of State laws to recognise the right of persons with disabilities to enjoy legal capacity on an equal basis with others, thereby abolishing substitute decision-making regimes, and to receive the support they need for its exercise. With the aim of providing useful guidelines for legislative changes yet to be made, the present study examines and assesses, in the light of the Convention, some of the most recent and innovative legislative reforms in the area of legal capacity. The analysis shows that, although they appropriately reflect a change of perspective, shifting from the paradigm of the “best interests” of the person to the respect of their will and preferences, some of these reforms are not fully satisfactory, particularly because they still allow partial or total deprivation of legal capacity for persons with disabilities, and maintain institutions which perpetuate substitute decision-making. However, the recent modification of the Peruvian Civil Code and Civil Procedure Code deserves a highly positive evaluation as the first regulation of legal capacity and supported decision-making substantially compliant with the Convention.
Development of a Low-Cost Vibration Measurement System for Industrial Applications
Authors: Villarroel Adrian , Zurita Grover , Velarde Romeo
Published: February 2019

Vibration-Based Condition Monitoring (VBCM) provides essential data to perform Condition-Based Maintenance for efficient, optimal, reliable, and safe industrial machinery operation. However, equipment required to perform VBCM is often relatively expensive. In this paper, a low-cost vibration measurement system based on a microcontroller platform is presented. The FRDM K64F development board was selected as the most suitable for fulfilling the system requirements. The industrial environment is highly contaminated by noise (electromagnetic, combustion, airborne, sound borne, and mechanical noise). Developing a proper antialiasing filter to reduce industrial noise is a real challenge. In order to validate the developed system, evaluations of frequency response and phase noise were carried out. Additionally, vibration measurements were recorded in the industry under different running conditions and machine configurations. Data were collected simultaneously using a standard reference system and the low-cost vibration measurement system. Results were processed using Fast Fourier Transform and Welch’s method. Finally, a low-cost vibration measurement system was successfully created. The validation process demonstrates the robustness, reliability, and accuracy of this research approach. Results confirm a correlation between signal frequency spectrum obtained using both measurement systems. We also introduce new guidelines for practical data storage, communications, and validation process for vibration measurements.
Interactive Fuzzy Multi Criteria Decision Making Approach for Supplier Selection and Order Allocation in a Resilient Supply Chain
Authors: Mari Sonia Irshad , Memon Muhammad Saad , Ramzan Muhammad Babar , Qureshi Sheheryar Mohsin , Iqbal Muhammad Waqas
Published: February 2019

Modern supply chains are vulnerable to high impact, low probability disruption risks. A supply chain usually operates in such a network of entities where the resilience of one supplier is critical to overall supply chain resilience. Therefore, resilient planning is a key strategic requirement in supplier selection decisions for a competitive supply chain. The aim of this research is to develop quantitative resilient criteria for supplier selection and order allocation in a fuzzy environment. To serve the purpose, a possibilistic fuzzy multi-objective approach was proposed and an interactive fuzzy optimization solution methodology was developed. Using the proposed approach, organizations can tradeoff between cost and resilience in supply networks. The approach is illustrated using a supply chain case from a garments manufacturing company.
Isolation, Structure Elucidation and Biological Evaluation of Lagunamide D: A New Cytotoxic Macrocyclic Depsipeptide from Marine Cyanobacteria
Authors: Luo Danmeng , Putra Masteria Y. , Ye Tao , Paul Valerie J. , Luesch Hendrik
Published: February 2019

Lagunamide D, a new cytotoxic macrocyclic depsipeptide, was discovered from a collection of marine cyanobacteria from Loggerhead Key in the Dry Tortugas, Florida. An intramolecular ester exchange was observed, where the 26-membered macrocycle could contract to a 24-membered compound via acyl migration at the 1,3-diol unit, and the transformation product was named lagunamide D’. The planar structures of both compounds were elucidated using a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectroscopy (HRMS). The absolute configurations were determined on the basis of enantioselective analysis, modified Mosher’s analysis, Kishi NMR database, and direct comparison with lagunamide A, a structure closely resembling lagunamide D. Lagunamides A and D displayed low-nanomolar antiproliferative activity against A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells, while the structural transformation from the 26-membered lagunamide D macrocycle to the 24-membered ring structure for lagunamide D’ led to a 9.6-fold decrease in activity. Lagunamide D also displayed potent activity in triggering apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Further investigation on the mechanism of action of the lagunamide scaffold is needed to fully explore its therapeutic potential as an anticancer agent.
Colistin Use in Patients with Extreme Renal Function: From Dialysis to Augmented Clearance
Authors: Aitullina Aleksandra , Krūmiņa Angelika , Svirskis Šimons , Purviņa Santa
Published: February 2019

Background and objectives: Colistin is used for the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria infection in critically ill patients. It is recommended to adjust the dose in cases of renal impairment but not in cases of augmented renal clearance (ARC). The aim of this study was to determine colistin use pattern in patients with different renal functional states. Materials and Methods: Adult patients admitted to intensive care units of single Latvian hospitals in the years 2015–2017 with an MDR Gram-negative bacterial infection and at least 72 h colistin therapy were included in this study. Data were collected retrospectively from medical notes. Colistin use pattern and outcomes were analyzed in patients with different renal function prior to colistin therapy: normal, ARC, impaired, and on renal replacement therapy (RRT). Results: 100 cases of colistin use met the inclusion criteria. The study group was heterogeneous, and patients had different renal function states prior to colistin therapy-from continuous RRT (18 cases) to ARC (16 cases). The standard colistin dose of 9 million units (MU) daily was the most common dose among the patients. In many cases (43%), colistin dose adjustment did not follow the recent recommendations of drug manufacturers-this was mainly in patients with renal impairment prior to colistin therapy. Eighteen cases of colistin acute kidney injury (AKI) were detected, mostly (10 cases) in patients with normal renal function and without ARC prior to colistin therapy. No patients with colistin AKI needed RRT. Conclusions: Colistin doses varied greatly among patients, and in patients with renal function impairment it was commonly not in accordance with the summary of product characteristics (SPC). Patients with ARC mostly received a standard colistin daily dose of 9 MU daily, but the cumulative dose had a tendency to be higher and duration of colistin therapy was longer in comparison with other patient groups. ARC’s role in the development of colistin nephrotoxicity is still unclear.
Therapeutic Potential of the Microbiome in the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Authors: Evrensel Alper , Önen Ünsalver Barış , Ceylan Mehmet Emin
Published: February 2019

The search for rational treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders began with the discovery of chlorpromazine in 1951 and continues to evolve. Day by day, new details of the intestinal microbiota–brain axis are coming to light. As the role of microbiota in the etiopathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders is more clearly understood, microbiota-based (or as we propose, “fecomodulation”) treatment options are increasingly discussed in the context of treatment. Although their history dates back to ancient times, the importance of psychobiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has only recently been recognized. Despite there being few preclinical and clinical studies, the evidence gathered to this point suggests that consideration of the microbiome in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders represents an area of significant therapeutic potential. It is increasingly hoped that such treatment options will be more reliable in terms of their side effects, cost, and ease of implementation. However, there remains much to be researched. Questions will be answered through germ-free animal experiments and randomized controlled trials. In this article, the therapeutic potential of microbiota-based options in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders is discussed in light of recent research.
Removal of Mg and MgO By-Products through Magnesiothermic Reduction of Ti Powder in Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis
Authors: Choi Sang Hoon , Sim Jae Jin , Lim Jae Hong , Seo Seok-Jun , Kim Dong-Wook , Hyun Soong-Keun , Park Kyoung-Tae
Published: February 2019

Commercial production of titanium involves chlorination using chlorine gas that can be converted to hydrochloric acid by atmospheric moisture and is hazardous to human health. In the titanium production process, self-propagating high-temperature synthesis is one of the process to directly reduce titanium dioxide. In this work, titanium powder was prepared by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis using titanium dioxide as the starting material and magnesium powder as a reducing agent. After the reaction, magnesium and magnesium oxide by-products were then removed by acid leaching under different leaching conditions, leaving behind pure Ti. During each leaching condition, the temperature of the leaching solution was carefully monitored. After leaching, the recovered titanium in the form of a powder was collected, washed with water and dried in a vacuum oven. Detailed compositional, structural, and morphological analyses were performed to determine the presence of residual reaction by-products. It was found that leaching in 0.4 M hydrochloric acid followed by second leaching in 7.5 M hydrochloric acid is the optimum leaching condition. Furthermore, it was also noticed that total volume of solution in 0.4 M hydrochloric acid leaching condition is advantageous to maintain uniform temperature during the process.
Self-Lubricating PEO–PTFE Composite Coating on Titanium
Authors: Ren Limei , Wang Tengchao , Chen Zhaoxiang , Li Yunyu , Qian Lihe
Published: February 2019

A self-lubricating plasma electrolytic oxidation–polytetrafluoroethylene (PEO–PTFE) composite coating was successfully fabricated on the surface of commercially pure titanium by a multiple-step method of plasma electrolytic oxidation, dipping and sintering treatment. The microstructure and tribological properties of the PEO–PTFE composite coating were investigated and compared with the PEO TiO2 coating and the PTFE coating on titanium. Results show that most of the micro-pores of the PEO TiO2 coating were filled by PTFE and the surface roughness of PEO–PTFE composite coating was lower than that of the PEO TiO2 coating. Furthermore, the PEO–PTFE composite coating shows excellent tribological properties with low friction coefficient and low wear rate. This study provides an insight for guiding the design of self-lubricating and wear-resistant PEO composite coatings.
Polarization and Trap Characteristics Modification of Oil-Impregnated Paper Insulation by TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Huang Meng , Ying Yupeng , Shan Bingliang , Lv Yuzhen , Li Chengrong
Published: February 2019

Polarization and traps determine the electrical property of oil-paper insulation, but most attention has been paid to the modification of insulating oil with nanoparticles, so there are is little research about oil-impregnated paper, and the origin for performance variation is not understood yet. In this paper, spherical nanoscale titanium dioxide was prepared by the hydrolysis method and nanofluid-impregnated paper (NP) was fabricated through oil-impregnation. The frequency domain spectrum was measured for polarization analysis, and both thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) and isothermal surface potential decay (ISPD) methods were used to reveal trap parameters. Results show that NP’s low frequency permittivity is much larger, and another peak appears in the spectrum even though the content of nanoparticles is very low. With the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles, TSDC’s amplitude and peak temperature increase, and the trap energy becomes shallower. TiO2 nanoparticles’ strong polarization and high activation energy contribute to NP’s larger interface polarization intensity and activation energy. Furthermore, because of oxygen vacancies, TiO2 nanoparticles offer a transfer site for holes and electrons to escape from deep traps; thus, the trap energy is greatly reduced.
Multipole Radiations from Large Gold Nanospheres Excited by Evanescent Wave
Authors: Chen Jingdong , Xiang Jin , Jiang Shuai , Dai Qiaofeng , Tie Shaolong , Lan Sheng
Published: February 2019

We proposed the use of the evanescent wave generated in a total internal reflection configuration to excite large gold nanospheres and investigated the radiations of the high-order plasmon modes supported in gold nanospheres. It was revealed that the evanescent wave excitation is equivalent to the excitation by using both the incident and reflected light, offering us the opportunity to control the orientation of the electric field used to excite nanoparticles. In addition, it was found that the scattering light intensity is greatly enhanced and the background noise is considerably suppressed, making it possible to detect the radiations from high-order plasmon modes. Moreover, the influence of the mirror images on the scattering induced by a metal substrate is eliminated as compared with the surface plasmon polariton excitation. By exciting a gold nanosphere with s-polarized light and detecting the scattering light with a p-polarized analyzer, we were able to reveal the radiation from the electric quadrupole mode of the gold nanosphere in both the spatial and the frequency domains. Our findings are important for characterizing the radiations from the high-order modes of large nanoparticles and useful for designing nanoscale photonic devices.
Perovskite Downconverters for Efficient, Excellent Color-Rendering, and Circadian Solid-State Lighting
Authors: He Ziqian , Zhang Caicai , Chen Hao , Dong Yajie , Wu Shin-Tson
Published: February 2019

Advances in materials, color rendering metrics and studies on biological effects promote the design for novel solid-state lighting sources that are highly energy efficient, excellent at color rendering and healthy for human circadian rhythms. Recently, perovskite nanocrystals have emerged as narrow-band, low-cost, color-tunable downconverters, elevating the design and development of solid-state lighting to a new level. Here, we perform a systematic optimization of using perovskite nanocrystals as downconverters to simultaneously optimize vision energy efficiency, color rendering quality and circadian action effect of lighting sources at both fixed and tunable color temperatures. Further analysis reveals the inherent differences in central wavelength and bandwidth preferences for different cases, providing a general guideline for designing circadian lighting. Through systematic optimization, highly efficient circadian lighting sources with excellent color rendering can be achieved.
Arrayed CdTeMicrodots and Their Enhanced Photodetectivity via Piezo-Phototronic Effect
Authors: Lee Dong Jin , Mohan Kumar G. , Ilanchezhiyan P. , Xiao Fu , Yuldashev Sh.U. , Woo Yong Deuk , Kim Deuk Young , Kang Tae Won
Published: February 2019

In this paper, a photodetector based on arrayed CdTe microdots was fabricated on Bi coated transparent conducting indium tin oxide (ITO)/glass substrates. Current-voltage characteristics of these photodetectors revealed an ultrahigh sensitivity under stress (in the form of force through press) while compared to normal condition. The devices exhibited excellent photosensing properties with photoinduced current increasing from 20 to 76 μA cm−2 under stress. Furthermore, the photoresponsivity of the devices also increased under stress from 3.2 × 10−4 A/W to 5.5 × 10−3 A/W at a bias of 5 V. The observed characteristics are attributed to the piezopotential induced change in Schottky barrier height, which actually results from the piezo-phototronic effect. The obtained results also demonstrate the feasibility in realization of a facile and promising CdTe microdots-based photodetector via piezo-phototronic effect.
Potential Sustainable Slow-Release Fertilizers Obtained by Mechanochemical Activation of MgAl and MgFe Layered Double Hydroxides and K2HPO4
Authors: Borges Roger , Wypych Fernando , Petit Elodie , Forano Claude , Prevot Vanessa
Published: February 2019

This study describes the behavior of potential slow-release fertilizers (SRF), prepared by the mechanochemical activation of calcined Mg2Al-CO3 or Mg2Fe-CO3 layered double hydroxides (LDH) mixed with dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (K2HPO4). The effects of LDH thermal treatment on P/K release behavior were investigated. Characterizations of the inorganic composites before and after release experiments combined X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The best release profile (<75% in 28 days and at least 75% release) was obtained for MgAl/K2HPO4 (9 h milling, 2:1 molar ratio, MR). Compared to readily used K2HPO4, milling orthophosphate into LDH matrices decreases its solubility and slows down its release, with 60% and 5.4% release after 168 h for MgAl/K2HPO4 and MgFe/K2HPO4 composites, respectively. Mechanochemical addition of carboxymethylcellulose to the LDH/K2HPO4 composites leads to a noticeable improvement of P release properties.
Deep Subwavelength-Scale Light Focusing and Confinement in Nanohole-Structured Mesoscale Dielectric Spheres
Authors: Cao Yinghui , Liu Zhenyu , Minin Oleg V. , Minin Igor V.
Published: February 2019

One of the most captivating properties of dielectric mesoscale particles is their ability to form a sub-diffraction limited-field localization region, near their shadow surfaces. However, the transverse size of the field localization region of a dielectric mesoscale particle is usually larger than λ/3. In this present paper, for the first time, we present numerical simulations to demonstrate that the size of the electromagnetic field that forms in the localized region of the dielectric mesoscale sphere can be significantly reduced by introducing a nanohole structure at its shadow surface, which improves the spatial resolution up to λ/40 and beyond the solid immersion diffraction limit of λ/2n. The proposed nanohole-structured microparticles can be made from common natural optical materials, such as glass, and are important for advancing the particle-lens-based super-resolution technologies, including sub-diffraction imaging, interferometry, surface fabrication, enhanced Raman scattering, nanoparticles synthesis, optical tweezer, etc.
Experimental Study on Mixed Mode Fracture Behavior of Sandstone under Water–Rock Interactions
Authors: Hua Wen , Li Jianxiong , Dong Shiming , Pan Xin
Published: February 2019

Water–rock interactions can significantly deteriorate the physical and mechanical properties of rocks, and it has been identified as one of the significant factors influencing the stability and safety of structures in rock–soil engineering. In this study, the fracture mechanical properties of sandstone under periodic water–rock interactions and long-term immersion have been studied with central cracked Brazilian disk specimens. The degradation mechanism of water–rock interactions was also studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Finally, the generalized maximum tangential stress and generalized maximum tangential strain criteria were adopted to evaluate the experimental results. The results show that periodic water–rock interactions can remarkably affect the fracture resistance of sandstone. With the increase in the number of cycles, the pure mode I, pure mode II, and mixed mode fracture toughness decreases greatly, however, the values of KIf/KIC and KIIf/KIC decrease slightly. Furthermore, the fracture resistance of sandstone influenced by cyclic wetting–drying is more significant than long-term immersion. Moreover, the fracture criteria, which considers the effect of T-stress, can reproduce the test results very well.
Freshness Evaluation of Three Kinds of Meats Based on the Electronic Nose
Authors: Chen Jun , Gu Juanhong , Zhang Rong , Mao Yuezhong , Tian Shiyi
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to use an electronic nose set up in our lab to detect and predict the freshness of pork, beef and mutton. Three kinds of freshness, including fresh, sub-fresh and putrid, was established by human sensory evaluation and was used as a reference for the electronic nose’s discriminant factor analysis. The principal component analysis results showed the electronic nose could distinguish well pork, beef and mutton samples with different storage times. In the PCA figures, three kinds of meats samples all presented an approximate parabola trend during 7 days’ storage time. The discriminant factor analysis showed electronic nose could distinguish and judge well the freshness of samples (accuracy was 89.5%, 84.2% and 94.7% for pork, beef and mutton, respectively). Therefore, the electronic nose is promising for meat fresh detection application.
Low-Frequency Vibration Sensor with a Sub-nm Sensitivity Using a Bidomain Lithium Niobate Crystal
Authors: Kubasov Ilya V. , Kislyuk Aleksandr M. , Turutin Andrei V. , Bykov Alexander S. , Kiselev Dmitry A. , Temirov Aleksandr A. , Zhukov Roman N. , Sobolev Nikolai A. , Malinkovich Mikhail D. , Parkhomenko Yuriy N.
Published: February 2019

We present a low-frequency sensor for the detection of vibrations, with a sub-nm amplitude, based on a cantilever made of a single-crystalline lithium niobate (LiNbO3) plate, with a bidomain ferroelectric structure. The sensitivity of the sensor-to-sinusoidal vibrational excitations was measured in terms of displacement as well as of acceleration amplitude. We show a linear behavior of the response, with the vibrational displacement amplitude in the entire studied frequency range up to 150 Hz. The sensitivity of the developed sensor varies from minimum values of 20 μV/nm and 7 V/g (where g = 9.81 m/s2 is the gravitational acceleration), at a frequency of 23 Hz, to peak values of 92.5 mV/nm and 2443 V/g, at the mechanical resonance of the cantilever at 97.25 Hz. The smallest detectable vibration depended on the excitation frequency and varied from 100 nm, at 7 Hz, to 0.1 nm, at frequencies above 38 Hz. Sensors using bidomain lithium niobate single crystals, as sensitive elements, are promising for the detection of ultra-weak low-frequency vibrations in a wide temperature range and in harsh environments.
Tell the Device Password: Smart Device Wi-Fi Connection Based on Audio Waves
Authors: Liu Liang , Han Zhaoyang , Fang Liming , Ma Zuchao
Published: February 2019

IoT devices are now enriching people’s life. However, the security of IoT devices seldom attracts manufacturers’ attention. There are already some solutions to the problem of connecting a smart device to a user’s wireless network based on the 802.11 transmission such as Smart Config from TI. However, it is insecure in many situations, and it does not have a satisfactory transmission speed, which does not mean that it has a low bit rate. It usually takes a long time for the device to recognize the data it receives and decode them. In this paper, we propose a new Wi-Fi connection method based on audio waves. This method is based on MFSK (Multiple frequency-shift keying) and works well in short distance, which enables the correctness and efficiency. In addition, audio waves can hardly be eavesdropped, which provides higher security than other methods. We also put forward an encryption solution by using jamming signal, which can greatly improve the security of the transmission.
An Open Hardware Design for Internet of Things Power Quality and Energy Saving Solutions
Authors: Viciana Eduardo , Alcayde Alfredo , Montoya Francisco G. , Baños Raul , Arrabal-Campos Francisco M. , Manzano-Agugliaro Francisco
Published: February 2019

An important challenge for our society is the transformation of traditional power systems to a decentralized model based on renewable energy sources. In this new scenario, advanced devices are needed for real-time monitoring and control of the energy flow and power quality (PQ). Ideally, the data collected by Internet of Thing (IoT) sensors should be shared to central cloud systems for online and off-line analysis. In this paper openZmeter (oZm) is presented as an advanced low-cost and open-source hardware device for high-precision energy and power quality measurement in low-voltage power systems. An analog front end (AFE) stage is designed and developed for the acquisition, conditioning, and processing of power signals. This AFE can be stacked on available quadcore embedded ARM boards. The proposed hardware is capable of adapting voltage signals up to 800 V AC/DC and currents up to thousands of amperes using different probes. The oZm device is described as a fully autonomous open-source system for the computation and visualization of PQ events and consumed/generated energy, along with full details of its hardware implementation. It also has the ability to send data to central cloud management systems. Given the small size of the hardware design and considering that it allows measurements under a wide range of operating conditions, oZm can be used both as bulk metering or as metering/submetering device for individual appliances. The design is released as open hardware and therefore is presented to the community as a powerful tool for general usage.
Women Quazi in a Minority Context: An Overview of Sri Lankan Experience
Authors: Ismath Ramzy Mohammad , Ghavifekr Simin
Published: February 2019

A woman’s eligibility to be appointed as a judge in Shariah courts in Muslim societies has been a debated issue for decades. Although some Muslim majority countries, including Arab countries, have allowed women judges (Qudath) in Shariah courts, the Muslim Religious Leadership in Sri Lanka, namely All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ulama (ACJU) is opposed to such appointment to administrate Muslim matrimonial law on the basis of classical Muslim scholars’ discussion on the qualification of a judge (Qadi in Arabic), particularly referring to their debate on gender; however, women activists in Sri Lanka argue for women Quazi on the basis of women’s privacy and fair hearing. This article, therefore, explores the Islamic standpoint regarding women Quazi in Sri Lanka. Hence, this research studies the classical scholars’ discussions on the qualification of a judge (Qadi) critically and uses textual and document analysis to bring out the dynamic interpretations of the verses of the Quran and Hadiths that they used for their arguments. The contextual analysis was carried out to understand the various applications of these verses of the Quran and Hadiths in history, particularly in connection with the present situation for women in Sri Lanka. This research found no explicit verses of the Quran and Hadiths to allow or deny women Quazi. The positive and negative approach to women judges (Qudath) has been founded throughout history on the basis of Islamic scholars’ understanding of a few verses of the Quran and Hadith that are related to women leadership. This study recommends women Quazi for Sri Lankan Quazi courts by highlighting differences of context and insignificance of classical Muslim scholars’ debate on gender as a qualification of a judge (Qadi).
Child-Led Research: Questioning Knowledge
Authors: Cuevas-Parra Patricio , Tisdall E. Kay M.
Published: February 2019

Over the last twenty years, childhood studies has challenged the schooled and developmental models of childhood. The children’s rights agenda has combined with academic childhood studies, to emphasise that children are and can be social actors and to seek ways to recognise and support their participation rights. For those who promote the participation of children and young people, there is considerable enthusiasm to involve them in all research stages—from research planning, fieldwork, and analysis to dissemination, leading to growth in what is often called ‘child-led research’. This article draws upon an empirical study of ‘child-led research’ projects, undertaken in Bangladesh, Jordan and Lebanon, for a critical examination of the meanings and implications of ‘child-led research’. In particular, this paper explores what counts as knowledge in social science research within contexts of generational difference and power.