bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlled Arrival Machine Repair Problem with Working Vacation and Reattempts
Authors: Bhagat Amita , Sethi Rachita , Garg Deepika
Published: October 2020

This paper addresses machine repair problem (MRP) with M identical operating machines and control arrival policy. The server is unreliable, and can break down during service which is further repaired soon so as to avoid interruption with the service process. The server may go for working vacation in case all the customers are served. The transient analysis of machine repair problem has been done using numerical technique. Various performance measures have been derived. With the help of tables and graphs the numerical results have been shown. The present investigation find applications in various industrial and workshop situations like Automobile repair shop (ARS).
Reliability Characterization of Binary-Imaged Multi-State Coherent Threshold Systems
Authors: Rushdi Ali Muhammad Ali , Ghaleb Fares Ahmad Muhammad
Published: October 2020

A notable reliability model is the binary threshold system (also called the weighted-k-out-of-n system), which is a dichotomous system that is successful if and only if the weighted sum of its component successes exceeds or equals a particular threshold. The aim of this paper is to extend the utility of this model to the reliability analysis of a homogeneous binary-imaged multi-state coherent threshold system of (m+1) states, which is a non-repairable system with independent non-identical components. The paper characterizes such a system via switching-algebraic expressions of either system success or system failure at each non-zero level. These expressions are given either (a) as minimal sum-of-products formulas, or (b) as probability–ready expressions, which can be immediately converted, on a one-to-one basis, into probabilities or expected values. The various algebraic characterizations can be supplemented by a multitude of map representations, including a single multi-value Karnaugh map (MVKM) (giving a superfluous representation of the system structure function S), (m+1) maps of binary entries and multi-valued inputs representing the binary instances of S, or m maps, again of binary entries and multi-valued inputs, but now representing the success/failure at every non-zero level of the system. We demonstrate how to reduce these latter maps to conventional Karnaugh maps (CKMs) of much smaller sizes. Various characterizations are inter-related, and also related to pertinent concepts such as shellability of threshold systems, and also to characterizations via minimal upper vectors or via maximal lower vectors.
Copula based Measures of Repairable Parallel System with Fault Coverage
Authors: Tyagi Vaishali , Arora Ritu , Ram Mangey , Triantafyllou Ioannis S.
Published: October 2020

The main objective of this study is to analyse the reliability behaviour of parallel systems with three types of failure, namely unit failure, human failure and major failure. For this purpose, we apply three different statistical techniques, namely copula, coverage and copula-coverage. More precisely, this study presents a stochastic model for analysing the behaviour of a multi-state system consisting of two non-identical units by incorporating the concept of coverage factor and two types of repair facilities between failed state to a normal state. The system could be characterized as being in a failed state due to unit failures, human failure and major failures, such as catastrophic and environmental failure. All failure rates are constant and it is assumed that these are exponentially distributed whereas, repair rates follow the Gumbel-Hougaard copula distribution. The entire system is modelled as a finite-state Markov process. Time-dependent reliability measures like availability, reliability and mean time to failure (MTTF) are obtained by supplementary variable techniques and Laplace transformations. The present study provides a comparative analysis for reliability measures among the aforementioned techniques, while a discussion referring to which technique makes the system more reliable is also developed. Furthermore, numerical simulations are presented to validate the analytical results.
Optimal Maintenance Policy for a Technical System Subject to Hidden Faults and Randomly Occurring Hazards
Authors: Malinowski Jacek
Published: October 2020

The paper presents a method of finding the optimal time between inspections for a system subject to degradation-related faults which make the system vulnerable to randomly occurring external hazards that may cause its damage. Since faults are assumed to be hidden, periodic inspections and repairs have to be performed in order to detect and remove them. Otherwise, leaving the faulty system unmaintained would eventually lead to a very costly damage. It is also assumed that the time to occurrence of a fault is exponentially distributed and hazardous events constitute a Poisson process. The fault rate, the intensity of the Poisson process and the probability with which a hazardous event results in the system damage are the known parameters. The author presents two main results achieved by analyzing this maintenance model. First, the criteria to be fulfilled by the system parameters in order that preventive maintenance be cost-effective are given in the form of simple inequalities. These criteria must be met so that operating the system with preventive maintenance in place be less costly than operating it until a damage occurs and replacing it thereafter. Second, fairly simple equations are obtained from which the optimal time between inspections can be found numerically by the Newton-Raphson method. The analytical derivation of both the criteria and the equations is presented in detail and is the author’s original work. To the best of his knowledge the obtained results are new in the area of maintenance modeling and analysis. For better understanding, theoretical considerations are illustrated by an example of a generic explosion prevention system.
Non-Linear Threshold Algorithm for the Redundancy Optimization of Multi-State Systems
Authors: Nahas Nabil , Nourelfath Mustapha
Published: October 2020

To improve system performance, redundancy is widely used in different kinds of industrial applications such as power systems, aerospace, electronic, telecommunications and manufacturing systems. Designing high performant systems which meet customer requirements with a minimum cost is a challenging task in these industries. This paper develops an efficient approach for the redundancy optimization problem of series-parallel structures modeled as multi-state systems. To reach the target system availability, redundancies are used for components among a list of products available in the market. Each component is characterized by its own availability, cost and performance. The goal is to minimize the total cost under a system availability constraint. Discrete levels of performance are considered for the system and its components. The extreme values of such performance levels correspond to perfect functioning and complete failure. A piecewise cumulative load curve represents consumer demand. System availability corresponds to the aptitude to fulfill this demand. The multi-state system availability evaluation uses the universal moment generating function technique. The proposed optimization algorithm is based on the non-linear threshold accepting metaheuristic, while using a self-adjusting penalty guided strategy. The obtained results demonstrate the approach efficiency for solving the redundancy optimization problem of multi-state systems. Its effectiveness is also tested using the classical redundancy optimization problem of binary-state systems. The algorithm is evaluated by comparison to the best known methods. For multi-state systems, it is compared to genetic algorithm and tabu search. For binary-state systems, it is compared to genetic algorithm, tabu search, ant colony optimization and harmony search. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms these state-of-the-art benchmark methods in finding, for all considered instances, a high-quality solution in a minimum computational time.
Optimal Profit Analysis of Machine Repair Problem with Repair in Phases and Organizational Delay
Authors: Shekhar Chandra , Deora Praveen , Varshney Shreekant , Singh Kunwar Pal , Sharma Dinesh Chandra
Published: October 2020

In this article, we study machine repair problems (MRP) consisting of the finite number of operating machines with the provisioning of the finite number of warm standby machines under the care of a single unreliable server. For the machining system’s uninterrupted functioning, an operating machine is immediately replaced with the available warm standby machine in negligible switchover time whenever it fails. The concept of threshold vacation policy: N-policy is also considered. Under this vacation policy, the server starts to serve the failed machines on the accumulation of a pre-specified number of failed machines in the system. The server continues until the system is empty from the failed machines; after that, the server goes for vacation. The notion of an organizational delay, server breakdown, and repair in multiple phases is also conceptualized to build the studied model more realistic. The recursive matrix method is used to find steady-state queue size distribution, and subsequently, various system performance measures are also developed to validate the studied model. The optimal analysis has been performed to identify the critical design parameters for the governing model. The state-of-the-art of the present study is its mathematical modeling of the multi-machine stochastic problem with varied limitations and strategies. The methodology to obtain queue size distribution, optimal design parameters, is beneficial for dealing with other complex and sophisticated real-time machining problems in the service system, computer and communication system, manufacturing and production system, etc. The present problem is limited to fewer machines, which can be extended to more machines with different topologies with high computational facilities.
Evaluating Genotypes and Seed Treatments to Increase Field Emergence of Low Phytic Acid Soybeans
Authors: Averitt Benjamin J. , Welbaum Gregory E. , Li Xiaoying , Prenger Elizabeth , Qin Jun , Zhang Bo
Published: October 2020

Low phytic acid (LPA) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] genotypes reduce indigestible PA in soybean seeds in order to improve feeding efficiency of mono- and agastric animals, but often exhibit low field emergence, resulting in reduced yield. In this study, four LPA soybean varieties with two different genetic backgrounds were studied to assess their emergence and yield characters under 12 seed treatment combinations including two broad-spectrum, preplant fungicides (i.e., ApronMaxx (mefenoxam: (R,S)-2-[(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-methoxyacetylamino]-propionic acid methyl ester; fludioxonil: 4-(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile) and Rancona Summit (ipconazole: 2-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-5-(1-methylethyl)-1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl) cyclopentanol; metalaxyl: N-(methooxyacetyl)-N-(2,6-xylyl)-DL-alaninate)), osmotic priming, and MicroCel-E coating. Two normal-PA (NPA) varieties served as controls. Both irrigated and non-irrigated plots were planted in Blacksburg and Orange, Virginia, USA in 2014 and 2015. Results revealed that three seed treatments (fungicides Rancona Summit and ApronMaxx, as well as Priming + Rancona) significantly improved field emergence by 6.4–11.6% across all genotypes, compared with untreated seeds. Seed priming was negatively associated with emergence across LPA genotypes. Seed treatments did not increase the yield of any genotype. LPA genotypes containing mips or lpa1/lpa2 mutations, produced satisfactory emergence similar to NPA under certain soil and environmental conditions due to the interaction of genotype and environment. Effective seed treatments applied to LPA soybeans along with the successful development of LPA germplasm by soybean breeding programs, will increase use of LPA varieties by commercial soybean growers, ultimately improving animal nutrition while easing environmental impact.
Physiological Responses of Apple and Cherry In Vitro Culture under Different Levels of Drought Stress
Authors: Kovalikova Zuzana , Jiroutova Petra , Toman Jakub , Dobrovolna Dominika , Drbohlavova Lenka
Published: October 2020

Drought stress is a serious threat. Therefore, improvements in crop productivity under conditions of limited water availability are vital to keep global food security. Apples and cherries belong to the most produced fruit worldwide. Thus, searching for their tolerant or resistant cultivars is beneficial for crop breeders to produce more resistant plants. We studied five apple (“Malinové holovouské”, “Fragrance”, “Rubinstep”, “Idared”, “Car Alexander”) and five cherry (“Regina”, “Napoleonova”, “Kaštánka”, “Sunburst”, “P-HL-C”) cultivars for their adaptation in response to progressive drought stress. The reaction of an in vitro culture to osmotic stress simulated by increasing polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentration in medium was evaluated through the morphological (fresh and dry weight, water content, leaf area), physiological (chlorophyll and carotenoids content), and biochemical (reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde content) parameters. Drought-like stress negatively affected the water content, leaf areas, and chlorophyll content in both fruit species. Oxidative status and membrane damage of plants under water deficiency conditions occurred to be important indicators of stress tolerance mechanism. Cherries exhibited higher hydrogen peroxide levels compared to apples, whereas their malondialdehyde values were generally lower. The overall results indicated wide tolerance range to water deficit among apple and cherry in vitro culture as well as among cultivars within single plant species.
Analytical Chemistry in the 21st Century: Challenges, Solutions, and Future Perspectives of Complex Matrices Quantitative Analyses in Biological/Clinical Field
Authors: Merone Giuseppe Maria , Tartaglia Angela , Locatelli Marcello , D’Ovidio Cristian , Rosato Enrica , de Grazia Ugo , Santavenere Francesco , Rossi Sandra , Savini Fabio
Published: October 2020

Nowadays, the challenges in analytical chemistry, and mostly in quantitative analysis, include the development and validation of new materials, strategies and procedures to meet the growing need for rapid, sensitive, selective and green methods. In this context, considering the constantly updated International Guidelines, constant innovation is mandatory both in the pre-treatment procedures and in the instrumental configurations to obtain reliable, true, and reproducible information. In this context, additionally to the classic plasma (or serum) matrices, biopsies, whole blood, and urine have seen an increase in the works that also consider non-conventional matrices. Obviously, all these studies have shown that there is a correlation between the blood levels and those found in the new matrix, in order to be able to correlate and compare the results in a robust way and reduce any bias problems. This review provides an update of the most recent developments currently in use in the sample pre-treatment and instrument configurations in the biological/clinical fields. Furthermore, the review concludes with a series of considerations regarding the role and future developments of Analytical Chemistry in light of the forthcoming challenges and new goals to be achieved.
Safety of Nurse- and Self-Administered Paediatric Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy
Authors: Sriskandarajah Shanthy , Ritchie Brett , Sluggett Janet K. , Reynolds Jodie G. Hobbs and Karen J.
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to compare and contrast the safety and efficacy of nurse- and self-administered paediatric outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) models of care and to identify clinical factors associated with documented adverse events (AEs). A total of 100 OPAT episodes among children aged between 1 month and 18 years who were discharged from hospital and who received continuous 24 h intravenous antimicrobial therapy at home via an elastomeric infusion device were included. All documented AEs from the case notes were reviewed by a paediatrician and classified as either major or minor. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine associations between clinical factors and any AE. A total of 86 patients received 100 treatment OPAT episodes (49 self-administered, 51 nurse administered). The most commonly prescribed antimicrobial via continuous infusion was ceftazidime (25 episodes). Overall, an AE was recorded for 27 (27%) OPAT episodes. Major AEs was recorded for 15 episodes and minor AEs were reported in 14 episodes. The odds of an AE was increased in episodes with self-administration (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 6.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.44–27.15) and where the duration of vascular access was >14 days (aOR 1.08, 95%CI 1.01–1.15). Our findings suggest minor AEs may be more frequently reported when intravenous antimicrobials are self-administered via 24 h continuous infusions.
The Evolving Reduction of Vancomycin and Daptomycin Susceptibility in MRSA—Salvaging the Gold Standards with Combination Therapy
Authors: Morrisette Taylor , Alosaimy Sara , Abdul-Mutakabbir Jacinda C. , Kebriaei Razieh , Rybak Michael J.
Published: October 2020

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Vancomycin (VAN) has been used as the gold standard treatment for invasive MRSA infections for decades but, unfortunately, the reliance of VAN as the primary treatment option against these infections has led to a reduction in VAN susceptibility in MRSA isolates. Although daptomycin (DAP) is another common treatment option against invasive MRSA infections, it has been shown that the development of VAN resistance can lead to DAP nonsusceptibility. VAN or DAP backbone regimens in combination with other antibiotics has been advocated as an alternative approach to improve patient outcomes in VAN/DAP-susceptible infections, enhance outcomes in infections caused by isolates with reduced VAN/DAP susceptibility, and/or prevent the emergence of VAN/DAP resistance or further resistance. A peer-reviewed literature search was conducted using Medline, Google Scholar and PubMed databases. The primary purpose of this review is to describe the mechanisms and epidemiology of MRSA isolates with a reduction in VAN and/or DAP susceptibility, evaluate in vitro and in vivo literature describing combination therapy (CT) against MRSA isolates with reduced VAN and/or DAP susceptibility and describe studies involving the clinical outcomes of patients treated with CT against invasive MRSA infections.
Interleukin-4-Mediated Oxidative Stress Is Harmful to Hippocampal Neurons of Prothrombin Kringle-2-Lesioned Rat In Vivo
Authors: Chung Young Cheul , Jeong Jae Yeong , Jin Byung Kwan
Published: October 2020

The present study investigated the effects of reactive microglia/macrophages-derived interleukin-4 (IL-4) on hippocampal neurons in prothrombin kringle-2 (pKr-2)-lesioned rats. pKr-2 was unilaterally injected into hippocampus in the absence or presence of IL-4 neutralizing antibody (IL-4Nab). Immunohistochemical analysis showed a significant loss of Nissl+ and NeuN+ cells and activation of microglia/macrophages (increase in reactive OX-42+ and OX-6+ cells) in the hippocampus at 7 days after pKr-2 injection. The levels of IL-4 expression were upregulated in the reactive OX-42+ microglia/macrophages as early as 1 day, maximal at 3 days and maintained up to 7 days after pKr-2 injection. Treatment with IL-4Nab significantly increased neuronal survival in pKr-2-treated CA1 layer of hippocampus in vivo. Accompanying neuroprotection, IL-4 neutralization inhibited activation of microglia/macrophages, reactive oxygen species-derived oxidative damages, production of myeloperoxidase- and inducible nitric oxide synthase-derived reactive nitrogen species and nitrosative damages as analyzed by immunohistochemistry and hydroethidine histochemistry. These results suggest that endogenous IL-4 expressed on reactive microglia/macrophages mediates oxidative/nitrosative stress and play a critical role on neurodegeneration of hippocampal CA1 layer in vivo.
Physical Movement Demands of Training and Matches across a Full Competition Cycle in Elite Netball
Authors: Brooks Edward R. , Benson Amanda C. , Fox Aaron S. , Bruce Lyndell M.
Published: October 2020

Elite netballers perform different training and match sessions across the annual competition cycle. A comprehensive exploration of the physical movement demands imposed on the athletes and the distribution of external workloads across these sessions are yet to be reported in the literature. This study aims to quantify the movement demands of elite netball across all session types (pre-season training, pre-season practice match, pre-season cup matches, in-season training, in-season practice matches, and competition matches). Knowledge of these demands will allow for more precise season planning and may assist with the management of athletes’ workloads. Twelve elite female netballers were monitored across a full competition cycle using a local positioning system (LPS) to collect spatiotemporal (i.e., distance, velocity, and acceleration measures) and accelerometer-derived measures (i.e., PlayerLoad measures). Metreage and PlayerLoad per minute for match-play sessions (practice and competition) were higher than for training sessions for all positional groups. Differences were present across session types, and within and between positional groups, which should be incorporated into full season planning (i.e., pre-season, in-season, and finals). Coaches and support staff should be cognisant of the potential influence of changing a player’s position, or altering session structure or duration, on the workload for the athlete.
Lignocellulosic Biomass as a Substrate for Oleaginous Microorganisms: A Review
Authors: Valdés Gabriela , Mendonça Regis Teixeira , Aggelis George
Published: October 2020

Microorganisms capable of accumulating lipids in high percentages, known as oleaginous microorganisms, have been widely studied as an alternative for producing oleochemicals and biofuels. Microbial lipid, so-called Single Cell Oil (SCO), production depends on several growth parameters, including the nature of the carbon substrate, which must be efficiently taken up and converted into storage lipid. On the other hand, substrates considered for large scale applications must be abundant and of low acquisition cost. Among others, lignocellulosic biomass is a promising renewable substrate containing high percentages of assimilable sugars (hexoses and pentoses). However, it is also highly recalcitrant, and therefore it requires specific pretreatments in order to release its assimilable components. The main drawback of lignocellulose pretreatment is the generation of several by-products that can inhibit the microbial metabolism. In this review, we discuss the main aspects related to the cultivation of oleaginous microorganisms using lignocellulosic biomass as substrate, hoping to contribute to the development of a sustainable process for SCO production in the near future.
Enhancing the Reliability of Cellular Internet of Things through Agreement
Authors: Pan Shin-Hung , Wang Shu-Ching
Published: October 2020

Because the Internet of Things (IoT) can provide a global service network through various smart devices, the IoT has been widely used in smart transportation, smart cities, smart healthcare, and factory automation through the Internet connection. With the large-scale establishment and 5G (fifth generation) wireless networks, the cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) will continue to be developed and applied to a wide range of applications. In order to provide a reliable application of CIoT, a safe and reliable network topology MECIoT is proposed in this study. To improve the reliability and fault-tolerant capability of the network proposed, the problem of reaching agreement should be revisited. Therefore, the applications in the system can still be performed correctly even if some processing units (PUs) in the system have failed. In this study, a new protocol is proposed to allow all normal PUs in MECIoT to reach an agreement with the minimum amount of data exchanges required and the maximum number of failed PUs allowed in MECIoT. In the end, the optimality of the protocol has been proven by mathematical method.
Performance Evaluation of Fiber-Reinforced, Stress Relief Asphalt Layers to Suppress Reflective Cracks
Authors: Baek Cheolmin
Published: October 2020

In this study, the performance of the fiber-reinforced, stress-absorbing membrane interlayer (F-SAMI) method was evaluated to suppress reflective cracks, which usually occur when the overlay method is applied for the maintenance of existing aged pavement. The F-SAMI method has an effect of suppressing the occurrence of reflective cracks by constructing a material composed of emulsified asphalt, fibers, and aggregates between the surface layer and the base layer. The mechanical performance of the F-SAMI was evaluated through both small-scale (model mobile load simulator 3, or MMLS3) and large-scale (accelerated pavement testing, or APT) pavement acceleration tests on the specimen and pavement structures, respectively, with the F-SAMI layer applied between the surface layer and the base layer. In this study, the base layer was made with an asphalt mixture or a concrete mixture, and the surface layer was made with polymer-modified stone mastic asphalt (PSMA). Evaluation was conducted by applying four types of F-SAMI layer, according to the content of asphalt and aggregate and compared with the case where general tack coating was applied. In order to induce the occurrence of reflective cracks, a notch was made in the center of the base layer. As a result of the experiment, it was shown that regardless of the mixture type of the base layer, the specimen or pavement with the F-SAMI method was much more resistant to reflective cracking than those with the tack coating. In addition, it was found that the F-SAMI method with aggregates was more resistant to reflective cracks than that without aggregates.
Network Traffic Modeling in a Wi-Fi System with Intelligent Soil Moisture Sensors (WSN) Using IoT Applications for Potato Crops and ARIMA and SARIMA Time Series
Authors: López Rivero Alfonso José , Martínez Alayón Carlos Andrés , Ferro Roberto , Hernández de la Iglesia Daniel , Alonso Secades Vidal
Published: October 2020

This article presents the results obtained by analyzing the data traffic that originated in a system with intelligent soil moisture sensors (Wireless Sensor Network—WSN) that transmit through a wireless network. This study sought to integrate smart agriculture and IoT (Internet of Things) applications in potato crops in various rural settings. Using these measurements, the data analysis was performed through the ARIMA (autoregressive integrated moving average model) and SARIMA (seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model) time series following the Box–Jenkins methodology. GRETL (Gnu Regression, Econometrics and Time-series Library) free software was used to generate a teletraffic behavior prediction model in a larger-scale implementation. The main objective was the creation of a model that allows an analysis and simulation about the behavior of the main performance parameters that a medium-scale WSN system would have for the monitoring of a crop. Thanks to this analysis, it will be possible to determine the technical characteristics that a sensor deployment should have in a specific area and for a specific crop.
Tree2C: A Flexible Tool for Enabling Model Deployment with Special Focus on Cheminformatics Applications
Authors: Pedretti Alessandro , Mazzolari Angelica , Gervasoni Silvia , Vistoli Giulio
Published: October 2020

Despite the increasing role played by artificial intelligence methods (AI) in pharmaceutical sciences, model deployment remains an issue, which only can be addressed with great difficulty. This leads to a marked discrepancy between the number of published predictive studies based on AI methods and the models, which can be used for new predictions by everyone. On these grounds, the present paper describes the Tree2C tool which automatically translates a tree-based predictive model into a source code with a view to easily generating applications which can run as a standalone software or can be inserted into an online web service. Moreover, the Tree2C tool is implemented within the VEGA environment and the generated program can include the source code to calculate the required attributes/descriptors. Tree2C supports various programming languages (i.e., C/C++, Fortran 90, Java, JavaScript, JScript, Lua, PHP, Python, REBOL and VBScript and C-Script). Along with a detailed description of the major features of this tool, the paper also describes two examples which are aimed to predict the blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeation as well as the mutagenicity. They permit a clear evaluation of the potentials of Tree2C and of its related features as implemented by the VEGA suite of programs. The Tree2C tool is available for free.
An Eco-Driving Algorithm for Interoperable Automatic Train Operation
Authors: Fernández-Rodríguez Adrián , Cucala Asunción P. , Fernández-Cardador Antonio
Published: October 2020

The new Automatic Train Operation (ATO) system over the standard European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) will specify the requirements that an automatic train driving system must fulfil in order to be interoperable. The driving is defined by target times located along the journey that are received from the trackside system. Then, the on-board equipment drives the train with the objective of meeting all of the target times. The use of eco-driving methods to calculate the train driving is necessary, as one of the main goals of modern train driving systems is to increase the energy efficiency. This paper presents a simulation-based optimisation algorithm to solve the eco-driving problem constrained by multiple target times. This problem aims to minimize the energy consumption subject to a commercial running time, as the classical eco-driving problem, and also to meet intermediate target times during the journey between stations to enable automatic traffic regulation, especially at junctions. The algorithm proposed combines a Differential Evolution procedure to generate possible solutions with a detailed train simulation model to evaluate them. The use of this algorithm makes possible to find accurate speed profiles that meet the requirements of multiple time objectives. The proposed Differential Evolution algorithm is capable of finding the feasible speed profile with the minimum energy consumption, obtaining a 7.7% of energy variation in the case of a journey with one intermediate target time and 3.1% in the case of two intermediate targets.
Development of Robot-Assisted Untact Swab Sampling System for Upper Respiratory Disease
Authors: Seo Joonho , Shim Seongbo , Park Haejune , Baek Junmin , Cho Jang Ho , Kim Nam-Hee
Published: October 2020

We propose a new telerobotic system for untact swab sampling to prevent the infection of medical staff during upper respiratory sample collection. The system consists of a slave robot and two master devices. The slave robot is designed to move a swab in 6 degrees of freedom within the facial area and to insert and remove the swab under remote control by an operator at the master site based on magnified imaging of the patient’s facial area. The insertion and removal of the swab into and from the nostril are implemented by means of a swab insertion unit; as the counterpart to this unit, the master system also includes a swab insertion device to control the swab insertion unit remotely. A force sensor installed on the swab holder enables monitoring of the force generated when the swab touches the target. In experiments, a virtual specimen was installed on the posterior nasopharynx wall of a life-size head phantom model. The nasopharyngeal swab samplings of the phantom model were successfully performed thanks to the force monitoring capability of the proposed telerobotic system, showing that this system is suitable for remote upper respiratory sample collection.
Recent Advancements and Future Prospects of Noble Metal-Based Heterogeneous Nanocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction and Hydrogen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Bhalothia Dinesh , Krishnia Lucky , Yang Shou-Shiun , Yan Che , Hsiung Wei-Hao , Wang Kuan-Wen , Chen Tsan-Yao
Published: October 2020

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) both are key electrochemical reactions for enabling next generation alternative-power supply technologies. Despite great merits, both of these reactions require robust electrocatalysts for lowering the overpotential and promoting their practical applications in energy conversion and storage devices. Although, noble metal-based catalysts (especially Pt-based catalysts) are at the forefront in boosting the ORR and HER kinetics, high cost, limited availability, and poor stability in harsh redox conditions make them unfit for scalable use. To this end, various strategies including downsizing the catalyst size, reducing the noble metal, and increasing metal utilization have been adopted to appropriately balance the performance and economic issues. This mini-review presents an overview of the current state of the technological advancements in noble metal-based heterogeneous nanocatalysts (NCs) for both ORR and HER applications. More specifically, we focused on establishing the structure–performance correlation.
Trends and Variabilities of Thunderstorm Days over Bangladesh on the ENSO and IOD Timescales
Authors: Wahiduzzaman Md , Islam Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul , Luo Jing–Jia , Shahid Shamsuddin , Uddin Md. Jalal , Shimul Sayed Majadin , Sattar Md Abdus
Published: October 2020

Thunderstorms (TS) are one of the most devastating atmospheric phenomena, which causes massive damage and adverse losses in various sectors, including agriculture and infrastructure. This study investigates the spatiotemporal variabilities of TS days over Bangladesh and their connection with El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). The TS, ENSO and IOD years’ data for 42 years (1975–2016) are used. The trend in TS days at the spatiotemporal scale is calculated using Mann Kendall and Spearman’s rho test. Results suggest that the trend in TS days is positive for all months except December and January. The significant trends are found for May and June, particularly in the northern and northeastern regions of Bangladesh. In the decadal scale, most of the regions show a significant upward trend in TS days. Results from the Weibull probability distribution model show the highest TS days in the northeastern region. The connection between TS days and ENSO/IOD indicates a decrease in TS activities in Bangladesh during the El Niño and positive IOD years.
An Overview of the Algae-Mediated Biosynthesis of Nanoparticles and Their Biomedical Applications
Authors: Chaudhary Rimsha , Nawaz Khadija , Khan Amna Komal , Hano Christophe , Abbasi Bilal Haider , Anjum Sumaira
Published: October 2020

Algae have long been exploited commercially and industrially as food, feed, additives, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and fertilizer, but now the trend is shifting towards the algae-mediated green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs). This trend is increasing day by day, as algae are a rich source of secondary metabolites, easy to cultivate, have fast growth, and are scalable. In recent era, green synthesis of NPs has gained widespread attention as a safe, simple, sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly protocol. The secondary metabolites from algae reduce, cap, and stabilize the metal precursors to form metal, metal oxide, or bimetallic NPs. The NPs synthesis could either be intracellular or extracellular depending on the location of NPs synthesis and reducing agents. Among the diverse range of algae, the most widely investigated algae for the biosynthesis of NPs documented are brown, red, blue-green, micro and macro green algae. Due to the biocompatibility, safety and unique physico-chemical properties of NPs, the algal biosynthesized NPs have also been studied for their biomedical applications, which include anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-cancerous, anti-fouling, bioremediation, and biosensing activities. In this review, the rationale behind the algal-mediated biosynthesis of metallic, metallic oxide, and bimetallic NPs from various algae have been reviewed. Furthermore, an insight into the mechanism of biosynthesis of NPs from algae and their biomedical applications has been reviewed critically.
Reconsideration of the Semaphorin-3A Binding Motif Found in Chondroitin Sulfate Using Galnac4s-6st-Knockout Mice
Authors: Nadanaka Satomi , Miyata Shinji , Yaqiang Bai , Tamura Jun-ichi , Habuchi Osami , Kitagawa Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

The chondroitin sulfate (CS)-rich dense extracellular matrix surrounding neuron cell bodies and proximal dendrites in a mesh-like structure is called a perineuronal net (PNN). CS chains in PNNs control neuronal plasticity by binding to PNN effectors, semaphorin-3A (Sema3A) and orthodenticle homeobox 2. Sema3A recognizes CS-containing type-E disaccharide units (sulfated at O-4 and O-6 of N-acetylgalactosamine). Type-E disaccharide units are synthesized by N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferase (GalNAc4S-6ST). In this study, we demonstrated that Sema3A accumulates in the PNNs surrounding parvalbumin cells, even in mice deficient in GalNAc4S-6ST. In addition, there were no differences in the number and structure of PNNs visualized by Cat316 antibody and Wisteria floribunda lectin, which recognize CS chains, between wild type and GalNAc4S-6ST knockout mice. Therefore, we re-examined the Sema3A binding motif found in CS chains using chemically synthesized CS tetrasaccharides. As a result, we found that non-sulfated GalNAc residues at the non-reducing termini of CS chains are required for the binding of Sema3A.
Functional Characterization of Colon-Cancer-Associated Variants in ADAM17 Affecting the Catalytic Domain
Authors: Dobert Jan Philipp , Cabron Anne-Sophie , Arnold Philipp , Pavlenko Egor , Rose-John Stefan , Zunke Friederike
Published: October 2020

Although extensively investigated, cancer is still one of the most devastating and lethal diseases in the modern world. Among different types, colorectal cancer (CRC) is most prevalent and mortal, making it an important subject of research. The metalloprotease ADAM17 has been implicated in the development of CRC due to its involvement in signaling pathways related to inflammation and cell proliferation. ADAM17 is capable of releasing membrane-bound proteins from the cell surface in a process called shedding. A deficiency of ADAM17 activity has been previously shown to have protective effects against CRC in mice, while an upregulation of ADAM17 activity is suspected to facilitate tumor development. In this study, we characterize ADAM17 variants found in tissue samples of cancer patients in overexpression studies. We here focus on point mutations identified within the catalytic domain of ADAM17 and could show a functional dysregulation of the CRC-associated variants. Since the catalytic domain of ADAM17 is the only region structurally determined by crystallography, we study the effect of each point mutation not only to learn more about the role of ADAM17 in cancer, but also to investigate the structure–function relationships of the metalloprotease.
Clinical Immunological Correlations in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Natalizumab
Authors: Maier Smaranda , Simu Mihaela , Hutanu Adina , Barcutean Laura , Voidazan Septimiu , Bajko Zoltan , Motataianu Anca , Lata Irina , Balasa Rodica
Published: October 2020

Natalizumab (NAT) was the first disease modifying therapy used for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) that was designed with a specific mechanism of action that targets an important step of the MS immunopathology, directly blocking the T lymphocyte intrusion in the central nervous system. Initially, it was considered that NAT carried no biological effects on the peripheral immune response. The purpose of our study was to assess the effects of NAT on the peripheral pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines and to reveal possible correlations between them and the clinical activity of the disease. We noticed a significant decrease in interleukin (IL)-17, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IL-31 serum levels in treated patients. The lack of relapses during the study was associated with low baseline IL-17 level. The patients that had an increase in the disability score during the study had significantly lower IL-17 and higher IL-1β baseline levels. IL-17 can be used as a biomarker for disease activity but also for progression assessment in NAT treated patients. NAT has a far more complex mechanism compared to what was initially believed, besides modulating lymphocyte trafficking through the blood–brain barrier, it also changes the peripheral levels of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines in MS patients.
Aprotinin Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication
Authors: Bojkova Denisa , Bechtel Marco , McLaughlin Katie-May , McGreig Jake E. , Klann Kevin , Bellinghausen Carla , Rohde Gernot , Jonigk Danny , Braubach Peter , Ciesek Sandra , Münch Christian , Wass Mark N. , Michaelis Martin , Cinatl Jindrich
Published: October 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of the current coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Protease inhibitors are under consideration as virus entry inhibitors that prevent the cleavage of the coronavirus spike (S) protein by cellular proteases. Herein, we showed that the protease inhibitor aprotinin (but not the protease inhibitor SERPINA1/alpha-1 antitrypsin) inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication in therapeutically achievable concentrations. An analysis of proteomics and translatome data indicated that SARS-CoV-2 replication is associated with a downregulation of host cell protease inhibitors. Hence, aprotinin may compensate for downregulated host cell proteases during later virus replication cycles. Aprotinin displayed anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in different cell types (Caco2, Calu-3, and primary bronchial epithelial cell air–liquid interface cultures) and against four virus isolates. In conclusion, therapeutic aprotinin concentrations exert anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. An approved aprotinin aerosol may have potential for the early local control of SARS-CoV-2 replication and the prevention of COVID-19 progression to a severe, systemic disease.
Strengthening Strategies for Existing Rammed Earth Walls Subjected to Out-of-Plane Loading
Authors: Wangmo Phuntsho , Shrestha Kshitij C. , Aoki Takayoshi , Miyamoto Mitsuhiro , Pema
Published: October 2020

The paper reports an experimental campaign to study the effectiveness of strengthening measures proposed for rammed earth (RE) wall in an out-of-plane direction. Two simple and feasible strengthening techniques were explored, namely, mesh-wrapped and timber-framed strengthening techniques. The test involved testing three full-scale U-shaped RE walls in an out-of-plane direction. The first specimen without any intervention served as the reference wall, while the two others were strengthened with two different strengthening methods. It was observed that both proposed strengthening techniques improved the load-carrying capacity of the wall and the maximum displacement and the energy absorption. The mesh-wrapped strengthening technique was found to be more effective than the timber-framed strengthening technique, which disrupted the visual aspects of the wall’s facade and needed proper anchoring to the foundation.
The Effects of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-4 on Cellular Viability, Osteogenic Potential, and Global Gene Expression on Gingiva-Derived Stem Cell Spheroids
Authors: Tae Jae-Yong , Park Yoon-Hee , Ko Youngkyung , Park Jun-Beom
Published: October 2020

Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) is engaged in the migration ability of mesenchymal stem cells and the transition of mesenchymal stem cells into osteogenic and adipocytic lines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of BMP-4 on the cellular viability, osteogenic differentiation, and genome-wide mRNA levels using three-dimensional cell spheroids composed of stem cells. Stem cell spheroids were formed using concave microwells in the presence of BMP-4 with final concentrations of 0, 2, 6, and 10 ng/mL. Cellular viability was measured qualitatively using a microscope and quantitatively using an assay kit based on water-soluble tetrazolium salt. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by measuring the level of alkaline phosphatase activity. Global gene expression was assessed using next-generation mRNA sequencing and performing gene ontology and pathway analyses. Spheroids were well-maintained with the addition of BMP-4 up to Day 7. No significant differences were observed in cell viability between each group. There were significantly higher alkaline phosphatase values in the 2 ng/mL BMP-4 groups when compared with the control (p < 0.05). A total of 25,737 mRNAs were differentially expressed. Expression of β-catenin (CTNNB1) was increased with higher dosages of BMP-4. The expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) was increased up to 6 ng/mL. The phosphoinositide-3-kinase–protein kinase B/Akt signaling pathway was associated with the target genes. This study demonstrates that the application of BMP-4 enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity and the expression of CTNNB1 and RUNX2 without affecting cellular viability.
Effect of Chromium on Electrochemical and Mechanical Properties of Beta-Al2O3 Solid Electrolyte Synthesized Via a Citrate-Nitrate Combustion Method
Authors: Shi Jin , Hong Yongfei , Zhu Chengfei
Published: October 2020

The beta-Al2O3 solid electrolyte doped with Chromium was synthesized via a citrate-nitrate combustion method, which started with NaNO3, LiNO3, Cr(NO3)3·9H2O, and Al(NO3)3·9H2O as the raw materials in this paper. The thermal behavior analysis, structure, and ionic conductivity of the beta-Al2O3 solid electrolyte were studied by the thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Meanwhile, the relative density and bending strength of the samples were also measured. The results showed that with the appropriate Chromium doping, the calcining temperature of the precursor powders was only 1100 °C, the β″-Al2O3 phase content, bending strength, relative density, and ionic conductivity were all improved with a compact and uniform cross section micrograph. The optimized sample contained 94% of β″-Al2O3 phase and exhibited a relative density up to 98.13% of the theoretical density. In addition, it showed a good bending strength (215 MPa) and a satisficed ionic conductivity (0.110 S cm−1 at 350 °C).