bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assisting Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) Personnel with AI-Based Speech Recognition and Smart Direction Finding
Authors: Gözalan Aylin , John Ole , Lübcke Thomas , Maier Andreas , Reimann Maximilian , Richter Jan-Gerrit , Zverev Ivan
Published: October 2020

Communication for processing relevant information plays a paramount role in developing a comprehensive understanding of Search and Rescue (SAR) situations and conducting operations in a successful and reliable manner. Nevertheless, communication systems have not changed considerably in the context of simplifying very high frequency (VHF) maritime communication and enhancing the value of SAR practices. The Automated Transcription of Maritime VHF Radio Communication for SAR Mission Coordination (ARTUS) project approaches this problem with the development of an assistance system which employs AI-based speech recognition and smart direction finding. First, ideas and specified needs of end users for designing the user interface are presented in this paper. Further, preliminary accomplishments of domain specific language training for maritime speech recognition, and the direction-finding algorithms for localizing senders are sketched out. While the preliminary results build a solid ground, additional field experiments will be conducted in order to enhance the accuracy and reliability of speech recognition and direction finding. The identified end user requirements across different personnel groups show commonalities, but call for a differentiated approach in order to meet the challenges and peculiar needs of the various working contexts.
A Real-Time Detection System for the Onset of Parametric Resonance in Wave Energy Converters
Authors: Davidson Josh , Kalmár-Nagy Tamás
Published: October 2020

Parametric resonance is a dynamic instability due to the internal transfer of energy between degrees of freedom. Parametric resonance is known to cause large unstable pitch and/or roll motions in floating bodies, and has been observed in wave energy converters (WECs). The occurrence of parametric resonance can be highly detrimental to the performance of a WEC, since the energy in the primary mode of motion is parasitically transferred into other modes, reducing the available energy for conversion. In addition, the large unstable oscillations produce increased loading on the WEC structure and mooring system, accelerating fatigue and damage to the system. To remedy the negative effects of parametric resonance on WECs, control systems can be designed to mitigate the onset of parametric resonance. A key element of such a control system is a real-time detection system, which can provide an early warning of the likely occurrence of parametric resonance, enabling the control system sufficient time to respond and take action to avert the impending exponential increase in oscillation amplitude. This paper presents the first application of a real-time detection system for the onset of parametric resonance in WECs. The method is based on periodically assessing the stability of a mathematical model for the WEC dynamics, whose parameters are adapted online, via a recursive least squares algorithm, based on online measurements of the WEC motion. The performance of the detection system is demonstrated through a case study, considering a generic cylinder type spar-buoy, a representative of a heaving point absorber WEC, in both monochromatic and polychromatic sea states. The detection system achieved 95% accuracy across nearly 7000 sea states, producing 0.4% false negatives and 4.6% false positives. For the monochromatic waves more than 99% of the detections occurred while the pitch amplitude was less than 1/6 of its maximum amplitude, whereas for the polychromatic waves 63% of the detections occurred while the pitch amplitude was less than 1/6 of its maximum amplitude and 91% while it was less than 1/3 of its maximum amplitude.
Review of Systems Engineering (SE) Methods and Their Application to Wave Energy Technology Development
Authors: Ruiz-Minguela Pablo , Nava Vincenzo , Hodges Jonathan , Blanco Jesús M.
Published: October 2020

The design of effective and economically viable wave energy devices involves complex decision-making about the product based on conceptual design information, including stakeholder requirements, functions, components and technical parameters. The great diversity of concepts makes it extremely difficult to create fair comparisons of the relative merits of the many different designs. Conventional design approaches have proved insufficient to guarantee wave energy technologies meet their technical and economic goals. Systems engineering can provide a suitable framework to overcome the obstacles towards a successful wave energy technology. The main objective of this work is to review the well-established systems engineering approaches that have been successfully implemented in complex engineering problems and to what extent they have been applied to wave energy technology development. The paper first reviews how system information can be organised in different design domains to guide the synthesis and analysis activities and the definition of requirements and metrics, as well as the search for solutions and decision-making. Then, an exhaustive literature review on the application of systems engineering approaches to wave energy development is presented per design domain. Finally, a set of conclusions is drawn, along with some suggestions for improving the effectiveness of wave energy technology development.
Multifractal Analysis of Market Efficiency across Structural Breaks: Implications for the Adaptive Market Hypothesis
Authors: Patil Ashok Chanabasangouda , Rastogi Shailesh
Published: October 2020

The primary objective of this paper is to assess the behavior of long memory in price, volume, and price-volume cross-correlation series across structural breaks. The secondary objective is to find the appropriate structural breaks in the price series. The structural breaks in the series are identified using the Bai and Perron procedure, and in each segment, Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MFDFA) and Multifractal Detrended Cross-Correlation Analysis (MFDCCA) are conducted to capture the long memory in each series. The price series is persistent in small fluctuations and anti-persistent in large fluctuations across all the structural segments. This confirms that long memory in the series is not affected by the structural breaks. Both volume and price-volume cross-correlation are anti-persistent in all the structural segments. In other words, volume acts as a carrier of the information only in the non-volatile (normal) market. The varying Hurst exponent across the structural segments indicates the varying levels of persistence and signifies the volatile market. The findings of the study are useful for understanding the practical implications of the Adaptive Market Hypothesis (AMH).
Special Issue: Mechanical Properties in Progressive Mechanically Processed Metallic Materials
Authors: Kocich Radim , Kunčická Lenka
Published: October 2020

The research and development of modern metallic materials imparts not only the introduction of innovative alloys and compounds, but also the increasing lifetime of existing materials via optimized deformation processing. Among the essential features of progressive metallic materials used for modern applications are enhanced mechanical properties, but also other high-level functional characteristics, such as thermal–physical parameters, corrosion rate, and electric resistance. The properties of materials and alloys ensue from their structures, which can primarily be affected by the preparation/production process. The Special Issue “Mechanical Properties in Progressive Mechanically Processed Metallic Materials” was established to present recent developments and innovations particularly in the engineering field. The Special Issue comprises papers dealing with modern materials, such as metallic composites and pseudoalloys, as well as developments in various processing technologies.
The Effect of the Addition of Polypropylene Fibers to Primer on the Pull-Off Strength of Epoxy Resin Coatings
Authors: Kampa Łukasz , Chowaniec Agnieszka , Królicka Aleksandra , Sadowski Łukasz
Published: October 2020

This article describes the effect of adding polypropylene fibers to primer on the pull-off strength of epoxy resin coatings. Investigated primers were laid on substrates made of cement mortar and cement slurry. The primer was made of epoxy resin modified with the addition of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% of polypropylene fibers. One reference sample was made without the addition of fibers. Then, an epoxy resin coating was applied to each substrate. Four pull-off strength tests were performed for each material configuration. For this purpose, an automatic device for measuring the pull-off strength of the coatings was used. The results were compared with the results obtained for the reference sample. The optimum content of polypropylene fibers was found to be in the range of 0.5–1.0 wt. % of the mass of the resin. One percent of fibers was optimum for the epoxy resin laid on the cement slurry, while 0.5 wt. % of fibers was optimum for the mortar substrate. The addition of a higher amount of polypropylene fibers resulted in a lower pull-off strength of coatings than for the reference sample.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Investigation on Electron Beam Welding of Spray-Formed 7055 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Wang Shaogang , Wang Zheng , Zhang Chengcong , Wang Zhiguo
Published: October 2020

The spray-formed 7055 aluminum alloy is welded by electron beam welding. Combined with the numerical simulation of a welding temperature field, the effect of different welding procedures on the microstructure and mechanical properties of welded joints is investigated in this study. Results show that the joints with good properties can be obtained under proper welding procedures. The microstructure analysis demonstrates that the fusion zone mainly consists of equiaxed grains, while a fine equiaxed grain zone is formed near the fusion line. There are mainly α(Al), MgZn2, Al2CuMg, and Mg32(Al,Zn)49 phases in the weld metal. The morphology of the weld can be improved by modification welding after the first bead welding, which is also advantageous to the mechanical properties of a welded joint. In the as-welded condition, compared with that of the base metal, the hardness of the weld zone decreased to a certain extent. The maximum tensile strength of a welded joint reaches 371.7 MPa. There are many dimples on the tensile fracture surface of a welded joint, and it dominantly presents the characteristic of ductile fracture. The simulated molten pool is consistent with the experimental weld morphology, and the reliability and accuracy of the simulation analysis are verified.
Application of Stereolithography Based 3D Printing Technology in Investment Casting
Authors: Mukhtarkhanov Muslim , Perveen Asma , Talamona Didier
Published: October 2020

Advanced methods for manufacturing high quality parts should be used to ensure the production of competitive products for the world market. Investment casting (IC) is a process where a wax pattern is used as a sacrificial pattern to manufacture high precision casting of solid metal parts. Rapid casting is in turn, a technique that eases the IC process by combining additive manufacturing (AM) technologies with IC. The use of AM technologies to create patterns for new industrial products is a unique opportunity to develop cost-effective methods for producing investment casting parts in a timely manner. Particularly, stereolithography (SLA) based AM is of interest due to its high dimensional accuracy and the smooth surface quality of the printed parts. From the first appearance of commercially available SLA printers in the market, it took a few decades until desktop SLA printers became available to consumers at a reasonable price. Therefore, the aim of this review paper is to analyze the state-of-the-art and applicability of SLA based 3D printing technology in IC manufacturing, as SLA based AM technologies have been gaining enormous popularity in recent times. Other AM techniques in IC are also reviewed for comparison. Moreover, the SLA process parameters, material properties, and current issues are discussed.
Multi-Level Analog Resistive Switching Characteristics in Tri-Layer HfO2/Al2O3/HfO2 Based Memristor on ITO Electrode
Authors: Mahata Chandreswar , Kang Myounggon , Kim Sungjun
Published: October 2020

Atomic layer deposited (ALD) HfO2/Al2O3/HfO2 tri-layer resistive random access memory (RRAM) structure has been studied with a transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent electrode. Highly stable and reliable multilevel conductance can be controlled by the set current compliance and reset stop voltage in bipolar resistive switching. Improved gradual resistive switching was achieved because of the interdiffusion in the HfO2/Al2O3 interface where tri-valent Al incorporates with HfO2 and produces HfAlO. The uniformity in bipolar resistive switching with Ion/Ioff ratio (>10) and excellent endurance up to >103 cycles was achieved. Multilevel conductance levels in potentiation/depression were realized with constant amplitude pulse train and increasing pulse amplitude. Thus, tri-layer structure-based RRAM can be a potential candidate for the synaptic device in neuromorphic computing.
Topography: A Biophysical Approach to Direct the Fate of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Cun Xingli , Hosta-Rigau Leticia
Published: October 2020

Tissue engineering is a promising strategy to treat tissue and organ loss or damage caused by injury or disease. During the past two decades, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted a tremendous amount of interest in tissue engineering due to their multipotency and self-renewal ability. MSCs are also the most multipotent stem cells in the human adult body. However, the application of MSCs in tissue engineering is relatively limited because it is difficult to guide their differentiation toward a specific cell lineage by using traditional biochemical factors. Besides biochemical factors, the differentiation of MSCs also influenced by biophysical cues. To this end, much effort has been devoted to directing the cell lineage decisions of MSCs through adjusting the biophysical properties of biomaterials. The surface topography of the biomaterial-based scaffold can modulate the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs. Presently, the development of micro- and nano-fabrication techniques has made it possible to control the surface topography of the scaffold precisely. In this review, we highlight and discuss how the main topographical features (i.e., roughness, patterns, and porosity) are an efficient approach to control the fate of MSCs and the application of topography in tissue engineering.
Magnetoelectric Composites: Applications, Coupling Mechanisms, and Future Directions
Authors: Pradhan Dhiren K. , Kumari Shalini , Rack Philip D.
Published: October 2020

Multiferroic (MF)-magnetoelectric (ME) composites, which integrate magnetic and ferroelectric materials, exhibit a higher operational temperature (above room temperature) and superior (several orders of magnitude) ME coupling when compared to single-phase multiferroic materials. Room temperature control and the switching of magnetic properties via an electric field and electrical properties by a magnetic field has motivated research towards the goal of realizing ultralow power and multifunctional nano (micro) electronic devices. Here, some of the leading applications for magnetoelectric composites are reviewed, and the mechanisms and nature of ME coupling in artificial composite systems are discussed. Ways to enhance the ME coupling and other physical properties are also demonstrated. Finally, emphasis is given to the important open questions and future directions in this field, where new breakthroughs could have a significant impact in transforming scientific discoveries to practical device applications, which can be well-controlled both magnetically and electrically.
A High-Fat Diet Increases Gut Microbiota Biodiversity and Energy Expenditure Due to Nutrient Difference
Authors: Wang Botao , Kong Qingmin , Li Xiu , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei , Wang Gang
Published: October 2020

A high-fat diet (HFD) can easily induce obesity and change the gut microbiota and its metabolites. However, studies on the effects of high-fat diets on the host have drawn inconsistent results. In this study, the unexpected results showed that the refined HFD increased gut microbiota diversity and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), causing an increase in energy metabolism. Further analysis revealed these changes were caused by the different fiber content in these two diets. Male C57BL/6J mice (4–5 weeks old) were fed either HFD or refined low-fat diet (LFD) for 14 weeks. The metabolic rates, thermogenesis, gut microbiome, and intestinal SCFAs were tested. The HFD triggered obesity and disturbed glucose homeostasis. Mice fed HFD ingested more fiber than mice fed LFD (p < 0.0001), causing higher intestinal SCFA concentrations related to the increased abundances of specific bacteria in the HFD group. Also, the HFD increased metabolic heat and up-regulated thermogenesis genes uncoupling protein 1(Ucp-1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (Pgc-1α) expression in the brown adipose tissue (BAT). It was revealed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing that the HFD increased gut microbial diversity, which enriched Desulfovibrionaceae, Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, and Mucispirillum, meanwhile, reduced the abundance of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia, Faecalibaculum, and Blautia. The predicted metabolic pathways indicated HFD increased the gene expression of non-absorbed carbohydrate metabolism pathways, as well as the risks of colonization of intestinal pathogens and inflammation. In conclusion, the HFD was obesogenic in male C57BL/6J mice, and increased fiber intake from the HFD drove an increase in gut microbiota diversity, SCFAs, and energy expenditure. Meanwhile, the differences in specific nutrient intake can dissociate broad changes in energy expenditure, gut microbiota, and its metabolites from obesity, raising doubts in the previous studies. Therefore, it is necessary to consider whether differences in specific nutrient intake will interfere with the results of the experiments.
Construction and Automation of a Microcontrolled Solar Tracker
Authors: da Rocha Queiroz Juliano , da Silva Souza Anacreone , Gussoli Maurício Klein , de Oliveira Júlio César Dainezi , Andrade Cid Marcos Gonçalves
Published: October 2020

A solar tracker can be defined as an electromechanical system capable of following the apparent path of the Sun, in order to orient an array of solar panels and/or collectors directly to the solar rays, maximizing the collected energy. Accordingly, the present work describes the process of building and automating a micro-controlled solar tracker. Two mobile structures were built, one equipped with high-precision step motors and four luminosity sensors separated in quadrants by a cross structure, and the other equipped with DC motors and the 275 Wp solar panel, allowing the design and evaluation of the behavior of each structure separately. The control and automation system is centralized in an Arduino MEGA2560 microcontroller, which runs the tracking and positioning algorithms. The built prototype allows us to carry out studies of solar tracking strategies based on sensor and control systems applied to DC motors.
Some Physical Properties and Mass Modelling of Pepper Berries (Piper nigrum L.), Variety Kuching, at Different Maturity Levels
Authors: Megat Ahmad Azman Puteri Nurain , Shamsudin Rosnah , Che Man Hasfalina , Ya’acob Mohammad Effendy
Published: October 2020

Pepper berry (Piper nigrum L.) is known as the king of spices and has sharp, pungent flavour and aroma. In this study, the physical properties (weight, dimensions, sphericity, volume, surface area, and projected area) were measured, and the mass of pepper berries of the Kuching variety at different maturity levels (immature, mature, and ripe) was predicted using four models: linear, quadratic, s-curve, and power. When the models were based on volume and projected area, the mass could be predicted with maximum precision. The Quadratic model was best fitted for mass prediction at all mass maturity levels (immature, mature, and ripe). The results showed that mass modelling based on the actual volume of pepper berries was more applicable compared to other properties with the highest determination coefficient, 0.995, at the 1% probability level. From an economical point of view, mass prediction based on actual volume in the Quadratic form, M= 0.828 − 0.015 V + 7.376 ×10−5V2, is recommended. The findings of physical properties and mass modelling of the berries would be useful to the scientific knowledge base, which may help in developing grading, handling, and packaging systems.
Erratum: Blankinship, Kevin. 2020. Suffering the Sons of Eve: Animal Ethics in al-Maʿarrī’s Epistle of the Horse and the Mule. Religions 11: 412
Authors: Blankinship Kevin
Published: October 2020

The author would like to make the following changes to the published paper (Blankinship 2020): Citation “Blankinship 2019a, pp [...]
Determining Economic Security of a Business Based on Valuation of Intangible Assets according to the International Valuation Standards (IVS)
Authors: Rodionov Dmitrii , Perepechko Olesya , Nadezhina Olga
Published: October 2020

This work considered the economic security of an enterprise with regard to the valuation of intangible assets according to the International Valuation Standards (IVS). This study is essential due to a growing number of companies with intangible assets (trademarks, patents, know-how, etc.) as their main value. This study included analysis of the impact created by the value of intangible assets and intellectual property on company capitalization and economic security plus a regression model. An algorithm was developed to determine the economic security of a business based on the valuation of intangible assets according to the IVS. The suggested algorithm can allow a company to manage its intangible assets effectively using the IVS, which, in turn, will provide the required level of economic security for further development and achievement of strategic goals by the business entity.
Ground Deformation and Its Causes in Abbottabad City, Pakistan from Sentinel-1A Data and MT-InSAR
Authors: Shahzad Naeem , Ding Xiaoli , Wu Songbo , Liang Hongyu
Published: October 2020

Land subsidence, as one of the engineering geological problems in the world, is generally caused by compression of unconsolidated strata due to natural or anthropogenic activities. We employed interferometric point target analysis (IPTA) as a multi-temporal interferometric synthetic aperture radar (MT-InSAR) technique on ascending and descending Sentinel-1A the terrain observation with progressive scans SAR (TOPSAR) images acquired between January 2015 and December 2018 to analyze the spatio-temporal distribution and cause of subsidence in Abbottabad City of Pakistan. The line of sight (LOS) average deformation velocities along ascending and descending orbits were decomposed into vertical velocity fields and compared with geological data, ground water pumping schemes, and precipitation data. The decomposed and averaged vertical velocity results showed significant subsidence in most of the urban areas in the city. The most severe subsidence was observed close to old Karakorum highway, where the subsidence rate varied up to −6.5 cm/year. The subsidence bowl profiles along W–E and S–N transects showed a relationship with the locations of some water pumping stations. The monitored LOS time series histories along an ascending orbit showed a close correlation with the rainfall during the investigation period. Comparative analysis of this uneven prominent subsidence with geological and precipitation data reflected that the subsidence in the Abbottabad city was mainly related to anthropogenic activities, overexploitation of water, and consolidation of soil layer. The study represents the first ever evidence of land subsidence and its causes in the region that will support the local government as well as decision and policy makers for better planning to overcome problems of overflowing drains, sewage system, littered roads/streets, and sinking land in the city.
Understanding Ku-Band Ocean Radar Backscatter at Low Incidence Angles under Weak to Severe Wind Conditions by Comparison of Measurements and Models
Authors: Yan Qiushuang , Fan Chenqing , Zhang Jie , Meng Junmin
Published: October 2020

The rain-free normalized radar cross-section (NRCS) measurements from the Ku-band precipitation radars (PRs) aboard the tropical rainfall measuring mission (TRMM) and the global precipitation measurement (GPM) mission, along with simultaneous sea surface wind truth from buoy observations, stepped-frequency microwave radiometer (SFMR) measurements, and H*Wind analyses, are used to investigate the abilities of the quasi-specular scattering models, i.e., the physical optics model (PO) and the classical and improved geometrical optics models (GO and GO4), to reproduce the Ku-band NRCS at low incidence angles of 0–18° over the wind speed range of 0–45 m/s. On this basis, the limitations of the quasi-specular scattering theory and the effects of wave breaking are discussed. The results show that the return caused by quasi-specular reflection is affected significantly by the presence of background swell waves at low winds. At moderate wind speeds of 5–15 m/s, the NRCS is still dominated by the quasi-specular reflection, and the wave breaking starts to work but its contribution is very small, thus, the models are found in excellent agreement with the measurements. With wind speed increasing, the impact of wave breaking increases, whereas the role of standard quasi-specular reflection decreases. The wave breaking impact on NRCS is first visible at incidence angles near 18° as wind speed exceeds about 20 m/s, then it becomes dominant when wind speed exceeds about 37 m/s where the NRCS is insensitive to wind speed and depends linearly on incidence angle, which cannot be explained by the standard quasi-specular scattering theory.
Does Ecological Water Replenishment Help Prevent a Large Wetland from Further Deterioration? Results from the Zhalong Nature Reserve, China
Authors: Chen Liwen , Liu Sixin , Wu Yanfeng , Xu Y. Jun , Chen Shengbo , Pang Shiliang , Gao Zongting , Zhang Guangxin
Published: October 2020

Ecological water replenishment (EWR) has been increasingly applied to the restoration and maintenance of wetland hydrological conditions across China since the beginning of the 21st century. However, little is known about whether EWR projects help protect and/or restore wetland ecohydrology. As one of the earliest and longest-running EWR projects in China, water has been released from the Nenjiang River into the Zhalong wetland since 2001. It is important to examine the ecohydrological effects of this EWR project. In this study, long time series remote sensing data were used to extract the water area, inundation frequency, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to explore how eco-hydrological conditions changed during the pre- (1984–2000) and post-EWR (2001–2018) periods in the Zhalong wetland. Results show that the inundation area decreased due to the reduced surface water inflow during the pre-EWR period. Similarly, monthly vegetation NDVI in the growing season generally exhibited a decreasing and an increasing trend during the pre- and post-EWR periods, respectively. In the post-EWR period, NDVI increased by 19%, 73%, 45%, 28%, 13% for the months of May through September, respectively. Due to EWR, vegetation growth in areas with low inundation frequency was better than in areas with high inundation frequency. We found that the EWR project, runoff, and precipitation contributed 25%, 11%, and 64% to changes in the NDVI, respectively, and 46%, 37%, and 17% to changes in inundation area, respectively. These results indicate that the EWR project has improved hydrological conditions in the Zhalong wetland. For further maximum benefits of EWR in the Zhalong wetlands, we suggest that implementing similar eco-hydrological projects in the future should focus on flood pulse management to increase the inundation area, improve hydrological connectivity, and create new habitats.
Ionosphere-Constrained Single-Frequency PPP with an Android Smartphone and Assessment of GNSS Observations
Authors: Wang Guangxing , Bo Yadong , Yu Qiang , Li Min , Yin Zhihao , Chen Yu
Published: October 2020

With the development of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and the opening of Application Programming Interface (API) of Android terminals, the positioning research of Android terminals has attracted the attention of GNSS community. In this paper, three static experiments were conducted to analyze the raw GNSS observations quality and positioning performances of the smartphones. For the two experimental smartphones, the numbers of visible satellites with dual-frequency signals are unstable and not enough for dual-frequency Precise Point Positioning (PPP) processing all through the day. Therefore, the ionosphere-constrained single-frequency PPP model was employed to improve the positioning with the smartphones, and its performance was evaluated and compared with those of the Single Point Positioning (SPP) and the traditional PPP models. The results show that horizontal positioning accuracies of the smartphones with the improved PPP model are better than 1 m, while those with the SPP and the traditional PPP models are about 2 m.
Anti-Proliferative and Genotoxic Activities of the Helichrysum petiolare Hilliard & B.L. Burtt
Authors: Sagbo Idowu Jonas , Otang-Mbeng Wilfred
Published: October 2020

Helichrysum petiolare (Asteraceae family) is part of the Helichrysum genus which comprises of an estimated 600 species. Several parts of the plant have been used traditionally for the treatment of various ailments, such as cough, infection, asthma, chest problems, diabetes and wounds. Given its various chemical constituents with anticancer properties, there has been no scientific evidence of its usage for the treatment of cancer. This study aims to investigate the anti-proliferative and genotoxic activities of H. petiolare methanol extract. The cytotoxic effect and cell cycle analysis of mouse melanoma cells (B16F10) and human melanoma cells (MeWo) were assessed using the ImageXpress Micro XLS Widefield High-Content Analysis System. The genotoxic potential of the extract towards Vero cells was also assessed using the micronucleus assay. The extract displayed cytotoxicity towards B16F10 and MeWo skin melanoma cells, thereby showing a dose-dependent decrease in cell density. This was preceded by cell cycle arrest in B16F10 cells at the S phase and MeWo cell arrest at the early M phase with a significant increase in apoptosis in both cells. Furthermore, the extract displayed genotoxic potential at the tested concentrations (12.5–200 μg/mL). Overall, the results revealed that H. petiolare extract may have the potential to eradicate skin cancer.
The Marine Plastic Litter Issue: A Social-Economic Analysis
Authors: Abalansa Samuel , El Mahrad Badr , Vondolia Godwin Kofi , Icely John , Newton Alice
Published: October 2020

The issue of marine plastic litter pollution is multifaceted, cross-sectoral, and ongoing in the absence of appropriate management measures. This study analysed the issue of marine plastic litter pollution in the context of the Descriptor 10 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and Good Environmental Status of the oceans and seas. The Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework was used to assess the causes, effects, and management measures to changes in the marine environment resulting from marine plastics pollution. We noted that less than 10 peer-reviewed publications have applied the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model to the issue of marine plastics pollution. Some basic needs such as food security, movement of goods and services, and shelter are also some of the major drivers of marine plastic pollution. The use of plastics is linked to multiple economic sectors (fisheries, agriculture, transport, packaging, construction) and other human activities. A significant amount of the resulting pressures came from the economic sectors for packaging and construction. State changes occurred at the environmental (contamination and bioaccumulation), ecosystem (ingestion of plastics, ghost fishing) and ecosystem service levels (supply of sea food, salt and cultural benefits), with possible loss of jobs and income being some of the observed impacts on human welfare. Responses as management measures, which are tailored to meet each component of the DPSIR framework, were identified. These included policies, regulations, technological advancement and behavioural change. The research acknowledges the issue of marine plastics pollution as a global environmental problem and recommends a trans-disciplinary approach, involving all types of stakeholders. Future research and analysis applying the DPSIR framework will be useful to provide the information necessary for the effective, adaptive management of litter pollution by marine plastics.
Effects of Deep and Shallow Tillage with Straw Incorporation on Soil Organic Carbon, Total Nitrogen and Enzyme Activities in Northeast China
Authors: Tian Ping , Lian Hongli , Wang Zhengyu , Jiang Ying , Li Congfeng , Sui Pengxiang , Qi Hua
Published: October 2020

The characterization of soil physicochemical properties and the resulting soil enzyme activity changes are crucial for understanding the effects of various tillage and straw management techniques on crop grain yield. In 2018–2019, we conducted a field micro–plot experiment to determine the effects of tillage depth and straw management on the soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activity, and maize grain yield. Six treatments were employed, including straw removal (CK), straw mixed with (SM), and straw buried (SB) into the soil under tillage depths of 10 (D10) and 30 cm (D30). The results demonstrated that SM and SB significantly increased the soil nitrate (NO3––N) content and decreased the ammonium (NH4+–N) content in the 0–20 cm soil layer in 2018 relative to CK. SM had greater soil urease (URE) and acid phosphatase (APH) activities in the 0–20 cm soil layer, and SB improved the soil APH activity at the 30–40 cm depth in both seasons. D30 obtained a lower penetration resistance in the 10–40 cm soil profile and higher soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil total nitrogen (STN) contents at the 30–40 cm soil depth relative to D10. The soil enzyme activity was positively related to the soil nutrient content and negatively related to the soil penetration resistance in the 0–20 cm soil layer, particularly in D30. Compared with CK, the grain yield was higher by 2.48–17.51% for SM and 7.48–24.46% for SB in 2018 and 2019, respectively. The structural equation model analysis suggested that the tillage depth mainly affected the soil penetration resistance (PR) and pH; however, straw management dominantly influenced the soil mineral N levels, leading to other soil property changes and crop production results. In conclusion, straw incorporation with deeper plow tillage might be an optimal straw return approach for soil quality improvement and sustainable maize production in northeast China.
Exploring the Role of Carbon Taxation Policies on CO2 Emissions: Contextual Evidence from Tax Implementation and Non-Implementation European Countries
Authors: Ghazouani Assaad , Xia Wanjun , Ben Jebli Mehdi , Shahzad Umer
Published: October 2020

During the past decades, environmental related taxes, energy, and carbon taxes has been recommended by environmental scientists as a policy tool to mitigate pollutant emissions in developed and developing economies. Among developed nations, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Norway were the first regions to adopt a tax on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and research into the impacts of carbon tax on carbon emissions bring significant implications. The prime objective and goal of this work is to explore the role of carbon tax reforms for environmental quality in European economies. This is probably the first study to conduct a comparative study in European context for carbon-tax implementation and non-implementation policies. To this end, the present study reports new conclusions and implications regarding the effectiveness of environmental regulations and policies for climate change and sustainability. In the present study, the authors exhaustively explore the impacts of the carbon-tax on the mitigation of CO2 emissions. Using the propensity score matching method, the results of the estimation of the different matching methods allow us to observe a positive and significant impact of the adoption of the carbon-tax on stimulating the reduction of carbon emissions.
Influence of Social Media Usage on the Green Product Innovation of Manufacturing Firms through Environmental Collaboration
Authors: Salim Norhuda , Ab Rahman Mohd Nizam , Abd Wahab Dzuraidah , Muhamed Ariff Azly
Published: October 2020

Firms are finding it increasingly important to leverage social media to facilitate knowledge access, get valuable feedback, and improve innovations to cater for emerging markets. However, using social media without integrating other key factors does not seem to add value to innovation efforts. Therefore, this study investigates the potential of social media usage (SMU) in enhancing green product innovation (GPI) and how two types of environmental collaboration may affect that relationship, which is a subject that has been under-explored. First, the literature on the expansion of the use of social media in enhancing GPI was reviewed to develop the theoretical framework and hypotheses. Then, data collected from 211 manufacturing firms were analysed using structural equation modelling to examine the proposed relationship. The results revealed that SMU does not directly influence GPI. Rather, internal environmental collaboration (IEC) and environmental collaboration with suppliers (ECS) fully mediate the relationship between SMU and GPI. The results further disclosed a positive relationship between IEC and ECS, where both types of environmental collaboration seem to be key factors in improving GPI. Hence, this study highlights the importance of knowledge sharing through environmental collaborations for the generation of ideas to improve products in order to remain competitive in the market.
A Parametric Study of a Solar-Assisted House Heating System with a Seasonal Underground Thermal Energy Storage Tank
Authors: Nhut Le Minh , Raza Waseem , Park Youn Cheol
Published: October 2020

The requirement for energy is increasing worldwide as populations and economies develop. Reasons for this increase include global warming, climate change, an increase in electricity demand, and paucity of fossil fuels. Therefore, research in renewable energy technology has become a central topic in recent studies. In this study, a solar-assisted house heating system with a seasonal underground thermal energy storage tank is proposed based on the reference system to calculate the insulation thickness effect, the collector area, and an underground storage tank volume on the system performance according to real weather conditions at Jeju Island, South Korea. For this purpose, a mathematical model was established to calculate its operating performance. This mathematical model used the thermal response factor method to calculate the heat load and heat loss of the seasonal underground thermal energy storage tank. The results revealed that on days with different weather conditions, namely, clear weather, intermittent clouds sky, and overcast sky, the obtained solar fraction was 45.8%, 17.26%, and 0%, respectively. Using this method, we can save energy, space, and cost. This can then be applied to the solar-assisted house heating system in South Korea using the seasonal underground thermal energy storage tank.
Design of Desktop Audiovisual Entertainment System with Deep Learning and Haptic Sensations
Authors: Chou Chien-Hsing , Su Yu-Sheng , Hsu Che-Ju , Lee Kong-Chang , Han Ping-Hsuan
Published: October 2020

In this study, we designed a four-dimensional (4D) audiovisual entertainment system called Sense. This system comprises a scene recognition system and hardware modules that provide haptic sensations for users when they watch movies and animations at home. In the scene recognition system, we used Google Cloud Vision to detect common scene elements in a video, such as fire, explosions, wind, and rain, and further determine whether the scene depicts hot weather, rain, or snow. Additionally, for animated videos, we applied deep learning with a single shot multibox detector to detect whether the animated video contained scenes of fire-related objects. The hardware module was designed to provide six types of haptic sensations set as line-symmetry to provide a better user experience. After the system considers the results of object detection via the scene recognition system, the system generates corresponding haptic sensations. The system integrates deep learning, auditory signals, and haptic sensations to provide an enhanced viewing experience.
Optimal Design of Virtual Reality Visualization Interface Based on Kansei Engineering Image Space Research
Authors: Fu Qianwen , Lv Jian , Tang Shihao , Xie Qingsheng
Published: October 2020

To effectively organize design elements in virtual reality (VR) scene design and provide evaluation methods for the design process, we built a user image space cognitive model. This involved perceptual engineering methods and optimization of the VR interface. First, we studied the coupling of user cognition and design features in the VR system via the Kansei Engineering (KE) method. The quantitative theory I and KE model regression analysis were used to analyze the design elements of the VR system’s human–computer interaction interface. Combined with the complex network method, we summarized the relationship between design features and analyzed the important design features that affect users’ perceptual imagery. Then, based on the characteristics of machine learning, we used a convolutional neural network (CNN) to predict and analyze the user’s perceptual imagery in the VR system, to provide assistance for the design optimization of the VR system design. Finally, we verified the validity and feasibility of the solution by combining it with the human–machine interface design of the VR system. We conducted a feasibility analysis of the KE model, in which the similarity between the multivariate regression analysis of the VR intention space and the experimental test was approximately 97% and the error was very small; thus, the VR intention space model was well correlated. The Mean Square Error (MSE) of the convolutional neural network (CNN) prediction model was calculated with a measured value of 0.0074, and the MSE value was less than 0.01. The results show that this method can improve the effectiveness and feasibility of the design scheme. Designers use important design feature elements to assist in VR system optimization design and use CNN machine learning methods to predict user image values in VR systems and improve the design efficiency. Facing the same design task requirements in VR system interfaces, the traditional design scheme was compared with the scheme optimized by this method. The results showed that the design scheme optimized by this method better fits the user’s perceptual imagery index, and thus the user’s task operation experience was better.
Photochemical Methods for the Real-Time Observation of Phase Transition Processes upon Crystallization
Authors: Ito Fuyuki
Published: October 2020

We have used the fluorescence detection of phase transformation dynamics of organic compounds by photochemical methods to observe a real-time symmetry breaking process. The organic fluorescent molecules vary the fluorescence spectra depending on molecular aggregated states, implying fluorescence spectroscopy can be applied to probe the evolution of the molecular-assembling process. As an example, the amorphous-to-crystal phase transformation and crystallization with symmetry breaking at droplet during the solvent evaporation of mechanofluorochromic molecules are represented in this review.
Optimal and Nonoptimal Gronwall Lemmas
Authors: Marian Daniela , Ciplea Sorina Anamaria , Lungu Nicolaie
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we study some optimal inequalities of the Riccati type and of the Bihari type. We also consider nonoptimal inequalities of the Wendorf type. At the same time, we get a partial answer to Problems 5 and 9, formulated by I. A. Rus. This paper is also motivated by the fact that, in many inequalities, the upper bound is not an optimal one.
Attention-Based LSTM with Filter Mechanism for Entity Relation Classification
Authors: Jin Yanliang , Wu Dijia , Guo Weisi
Published: October 2020

Relation classification is an important research area in the field of natural language processing (NLP), which aims to recognize the relationship between two tagged entities in a sentence. The noise caused by irrelevant words and the word distance between the tagged entities may affect the relation classification accuracy. In this paper, we present a novel model multi-head attention long short term memory (LSTM) network with filter mechanism (MALNet) to extract the text features and classify the relation of two entities in a sentence. In particular, we combine LSTM with attention mechanism to obtain the shallow local information and introduce a filter layer based on attention mechanism to strength the available information. Besides, we design a semantic rule for marking the key word between the target words and construct a key word layer to extract its semantic information. We evaluated the performance of our model on SemEval-2010 Task8 dataset and KBP-37 dataset. We achieved an F1-score of 86.3% on SemEval-2010 Task8 dataset and F1-score of 61.4% on KBP-37 dataset, which shows that our method is superior to the previous state-of-the-art methods.
Safety and Stability of Pulmonary Function in Patients with Decreased Respiratory Function Treated for Spasticity with OnabotulinumtoxinA
Authors: Ayyoub Ziyad , Brashear Allison , Banach Marta , Schoene Robert , Stringer William , Boodhoo Terry , Yushmanova Irina , Dimitrova Rozalina , Brin Mitchell F.
Published: October 2020

Two randomized, placebo-controlled studies evaluated the pulmonary function safety of onabotulinumtoxinA (onabotA) for treatment of upper and/or lower limb spasticity. Patients with stable baseline respiratory status received one or two treatments with placebo, 240 U, or 360 U of onabotA. Pulmonary function tests, adverse events, and efficacy were measured at least every 6 weeks for 18 weeks (Study 1) or 30 weeks (Study 2). Study 1 enrolled 109 patients (n = 36–37/group) and Study 2 enrolled 155 patients (n = 48–54/group). Mean baseline forced vital capacity (FVC) was 76–78% of predicted per group in Study 1 and 71% of predicted per group in Study 2. In Study 1, change from baseline FVC values were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased vs. placebo at weeks 3 (240 U −57 mL vs. placebo +110 mL) and 12 (360 U −6 mL vs. +167 mL placebo). In Study 2, change from baseline FVC values were significantly decreased in the 360 U group vs. placebo at weeks 6 (−78 mL vs. +49 mL placebo), 13 (−60 mL vs. +119 mL placebo), 18 (−128 mL vs. +80 mL placebo), and 24 (−82 mL vs. +149 mL placebo). Individual pulmonary function-related adverse events were not correlated with PFT decreases. The most frequent pulmonary-related adverse events were nasopharyngitis (Study 1) and upper respiratory tract infection (Study 2). Ashworth scores were significantly improved at multiple time points in both studies. Injection of onabotA for spasticity in patients with decreased pulmonary function, at single and repeated doses of up to 360 U, was associated with small but statistically significant decreases in FVC or forced expiratory volume 1 s (FEV1) (>12% and 200 mL) that were subclinical and not correlated with any adverse clinical pulmonary events.