bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical and Morphological Characterization of Chitosan/Montmorillonite Films Incorporated with Ginger Essential Oil
Authors: Souza Victor Gomes Lauriano , Pires João Ricardo Afonso , Rodrigues Carolina , Rodrigues Patricia Freitas , Lopes Andréia , Silva Rui Jorge , Caldeira Jorge , Duarte Maria Paula , Fernandes Francisco Braz , Coelhoso Isabel Maria , Fernando Ana Luisa
Published: October 2019

Novel bionanocomposite films of chitosan/montmorillonite (CS/MMT) activated with ginger essential oil (GEO) were produced and characterized in terms of their physical and morphological properties. The homogenization process led to a good interaction between the chitosan and the nanoparticles, however the exfoliation was diminished when GEO was incorporated. Film glass transition temperature did not statistically change with the incorporation of either MMT or GEO, however the value was slightly reduced, representing a relaxation in the polymer chain which corroborated with the mechanical and barrier properties results. Pristine chitosan films showed excellent barrier properties to oxygen with a permeability of 0.184 × 10−16 mol/m·s·Pa being reduced to half (0.098 × 10−16 mol/m·s·Pa) when MMT was incorporated. Although the incorporation of GEO increased the permeability values to 0.325 × 10−16 mol/m·s·Pa when 2% of GEO was integrated, this increment was smaller with both MMT and GEO (0.285 × 10−16 mol/m·s·Pa). Bionanocomposites also increased the UV light barrier. Thus, the produced bioplastics demonstrated their ability to retard oxidative processes due to their good barrier properties, corroborating previous results that have shown their potential in the preservation of foods with high unsaturated fat content.
Preparation of Ni-Doped Li2TiO3 Using an Inorganic Precipitation–Peptization Method
Authors: Zhang Li-Yuan , Shui Yi , Zhao Ling-Ling , Zhu Ping , Xu Wen-Yong , You Yao-Hui
Published: October 2019

The precursor for a lithium-ion sieve is prepared using an inorganic precipitation-peptization method with titanium sulfate as the titanium source and lithium acetate as the lithium source. The effects of Ni2+ (Nickel ions) doping on the stability of the sol, crystal morphology and interplanar spacing of Li2TiO3 are investigated. The results indicate that, after Ni2+ doping with varying fractions, the stability of the precursor sol first increases then decreases, and the maximum stabilization time of the precursor sol doped with 1% Ni2+ is 87 h. When doped with 1% Ni2+, the sol performance is most stable, the porous Li2TiO3 is obtained, and the specific surface area of Li2TiO3 increases by up to 1.349 m2/g from 0.911 m2/g. Accompanying the increase in calcination temperature, the inhibition of Ni2+ doping on the growth and crystallization of grains decreases. When the temperature is lower than 750 °C, Ni atoms replace the Ti atoms that are substituted for Li atoms in the original pure Li layer, forming lattice defects, resulting in the disappearance of (002) and (−131) diffraction peaks for Li2TiO3, the reduced ordering of crystal structure, a decrease in the interplanar spacing of the (002) plane, lattice expansion and an increase in the particle size to 100–200 nm. When the temperature exceeds 750 °C, with the increase of calcination temperature, the influence of Ni doping on the growth and crystallinity of grains decreases, and the (002) crystal surface starts to grow again.
Effect of Brazing Temperature on Microstructure and Properties of WC-10Ni + AgCuTi Composite Coatings
Authors: Xu Xiangping , Wang Yi , Liu Chi , Zou Jiasheng , Xia Chunzhi
Published: October 2019

WC-10Ni + AgCuTi composite coating with WC mass fraction of 40% was prepared on the copper surface by vacuum brazing. The brazing temperatures were 830 °C, 860 °C, 890 °C, and 920 °C. The microstructure, interface structure, and hardness of the coating section were studied. The results showed that the composite coatings obtained at different brazing temperatures were better combined. As the brazing temperature increased, the Ni transition layer wrapped around the WC gradually decreased until it disappeared. The brazing seam gradually thickened, the reaction between the coating and the substrate became more and more intense, and more and more Cu was formed on both sides of the brazing seam. Scanning analysis of the interface between the coating and the substrate showed that the elements W and Ti hardly diffused into the brazing seam and the substrate, and the elements Ag and Cu diffused into the substrate. Finally, the interface between the brazing seam and the substrate was metallurgically bonded. The Vickers hardness results and bond strength results of the composite coatings show that the mechanical properties of the coatings are best when the brazing temperature is 890 °C.
An Investigation of Friction Coefficient on Microstructure and Texture Evolution of Interstitial-Free Steel during Warm Rolling and Subsequent Annealing
Authors: Pan Hongbo , Wan Yong , Wang Huiting , Shen Xiaohui , Fu Bin , Li D. Y. , Dai Yongjuan , Yan Jun
Published: October 2019

A Ti bearing interstitial-free steel was finishing rolled in the ferrite region with and without lubrication and microstructures, mechanical properties and textures evolution during warm rolling and subsequent annealing were investigated by OM, SEM, tensile test and ODF. The results show that the surface microstructure of the as-rolled specimen without lubrication is composed of dense shear bands, while the microstructures of the central layer of the as-rolled specimen without lubrication and the whole cross section of the as-rolled specimen with lubrication are elongated ferrite. Short-time annealing can make the non-lubricated rolling sample recrystallize, but the lubricated rolling sample cannot. After complete recrystallization, the microstructure of the surface layer of the as-annealed specimen without lubrication is finer than that of the center layer of the as-annealed specimen without lubrication and the whole section of the as-annealed specimen with lubrication. The mechanical properties of as-annealed sample without lubrication change significantly in the initial annealing stage, while that of as-annealed sample with lubrication remain unchanged until the end stage of annealing. The surface layers of the as-rolled samples have strong Goss component and weak γ fibre components, while the central layers have strong γ fibre components and moderate rotated cubic components. As annealing proceeds, the Goss components of the surface layer decrease and the γ fibre components increase. The rotated cubic components in the central layer are gradually transformed into γ texture.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis Using an Efficient CAD System Based on Multiple Classifiers
Authors: Ragab Dina A. , Sharkas Maha , Attallah Omneya
Published: October 2019

Breast cancer is one of the major health issues across the world. In this study, a new computer-aided detection (CAD) system is introduced. First, the mammogram images were enhanced to increase the contrast. Second, the pectoral muscle was eliminated and the breast was suppressed from the mammogram. Afterward, some statistical features were extracted. Next, k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) and decision trees classifiers were used to classify the normal and abnormal lesions. Moreover, multiple classifier systems (MCS) was constructed as it usually improves the classification results. The MCS has two structures, cascaded and parallel structures. Finally, two wrapper feature selection (FS) approaches were applied to identify those features, which influence classification accuracy. The two data sets (1) the mammographic image analysis society digital mammogram database (MIAS) and (2) the digital mammography dream challenge were combined together to test the CAD system proposed. The highest accuracy achieved with the proposed CAD system before FS was 99.7% using the Adaboosting of the J48 decision tree classifiers. The highest accuracy after FS was 100%, which was achieved with k-NN classifier. Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was equal to 1.0. The results showed that the proposed CAD system was able to accurately classify normal and abnormal lesions in mammogram samples.
Comparison of Two Efficient Methods for Calculating Partition Functions
Authors: Gong Le-Cheng , Ning Bo-Yuan , Weng Tsu-Chien , Ning Xi-Jing
Published: October 2019

In the long-time pursuit of the solution to calculating the partition function (or free energy) of condensed matter, Monte-Carlo-based nested sampling should be the state-of-the-art method, and very recently, we established a direct integral approach that works at least four orders faster. In present work, the above two methods were applied to solid argon at temperatures up to 300 K. The derived internal energy and pressure were compared with the molecular dynamics simulation as well as experimental measurements, showing that the calculation precision of our approach is about 10 times higher than that of the nested sampling method.
Information Contained in Molecular Motion
Authors: Müller J Gerhard
Published: October 2019

The equivalence between information and entropy is used to interpret the entropy of a molecular gas as missing information about its internal state of motion. Our considerations show that thermodynamic information is principally composed of two parts which continually change in the course of gas-kinetic collisions. While the first part relates to energy carried by the individual molecules in the form of kinetic energy and in internal excitations, the second relates to information concerned with the location of the molecules within their own mean-free volumes. It is shown that this second kind of information is generated in gas-kinetic collisions and rapidly deteriorated and lost by quantum mechanical dispersion until it is re-gained in follow-on collisions. It is proposed that gas-kinetic collisions can be regarded as measurement processes in which information is continually gained, deteriorated and erased. As these processes occur naturally without any human intervention, it is argued that thermodynamic information—like entropy—fully qualifies as an objective physical quantity.
General Secure Information Exchange Protocol for a Multiuser MIMO Relay Channel
Authors: Liu Qiao , Li Hui , Wang Yong
Published: October 2019

Secure information exchange occurs in many recently emerging cooperative-based networks, such as 5G networks (especially those with a Device to Device architecture), the Internet of Things, and vehicular ad hoc networks. However, the existing information exchange protocols only focus on either pairwise information exchange or group information exchange, and none of these protocols enable private and public information exchange to occur simultaneously. Thus, a general secure information exchange protocol for a multiuser channel is desirable. With this motivation, this paper investigates simultaneous private and public information exchange in a Multiple Inputs Multiple Outputs (MIMO) multiuser relay channel. In an aim to achieve this goal, signal alignment is chosen as the core technique. With the designed precoding matrix for each user, private information is aligned with its exchange partner, and public information forms a coding chain at the relay. With the aligned private signal and public coding chain, neither an untrusted relay nor external eavesdroppers can recover the original individual information. Performance analyses of the proposed protocol are conducted. First, we conduct transmission performance analyses from the perspective of time slot cost. Second, we conduct a security analysis for private information exchange and public information exchange. Third, we conduct secrecy sum-rate analysis for three attack scenarios: an untrusted relay attack only, an eavesdropper attack only, and both an untrusted relay and eavesdropper attack. The simulations are conducted to demonstrate that the proposed protocol can enable simultaneous private and public information exchange while resisting attacks by an undesired receiver, an untrusted relay, and external eavesdroppers.
ν-Support Vector Regression Model Based on Gauss-Laplace Mixture Noise Characteristic for Wind Speed Prediction
Authors: Zhang Shiguang , Zhou Ting , Sun Lin , Wang Wei , Wang Chuan , Mao Wentao
Published: October 2019

Most regression techniques assume that the noise characteristics are subject to single noise distribution whereas the wind speed prediction is difficult to model by the single noise distribution because the noise of wind speed is complicated due to its intermittency and random fluctuations. Therefore, we will present the ν -support vector regression model of Gauss-Laplace mixture heteroscedastic noise (GLM-SVR) and Gauss-Laplace mixture homoscedastic noise (GLMH-SVR) for complex noise. The augmented Lagrange multiplier method is introduced to solve models GLM-SVR and GLMH-SVR. The proposed model is applied to short-term wind speed forecasting using historical data to predict future wind speed at a certain time. The experimental results show that the proposed technique outperforms the single noise technique and obtains good performance.
CNN-Based Ternary Classification for Image Steganalysis
Authors: Kang Sanghoon , Park Hanhoon , Park Jong-Il
Published: October 2019

This study proposes a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based steganalytic method that allows ternary classification to simultaneously identify WOW and UNIWARD, which are representative adaptive image steganographic algorithms. WOW and UNIWARD have very similar message embedding methods in terms of measuring and minimizing the degree of distortion of images caused by message embedding. This similarity between WOW and UNIWARD makes it difficult to distinguish between both algorithms even in a CNN-based classifier. Our experiments particularly show that WOW and UNIWARD cannot be distinguished by simply combining binary CNN-based classifiers learned to separately identify both algorithms. Therefore, to identify and classify WOW and UNIWARD, WOW and UNIWARD must be learned at the same time using a single CNN-based classifier designed for ternary classification. This study proposes a method for ternary classification that learns and classifies cover, WOW stego, and UNIWARD stego images using a single CNN-based classifier. A CNN structure and a preprocessing filter are also proposed to effectively classify/identify WOW and UNIWARD. Experiments using BOSSBase 1.01 database images confirmed that the proposed method could make a ternary classification with an accuracy of approximately 72%.
A High-Precision Gated Integrator for Repetitive Pulsed Signals Acquisition
Authors: Pettinato Sara , Orsini Andrea , Girolami Marco , Trucchi Daniele Maria , Rossi Maria Cristina , Salvatori Stefano
Published: October 2019

Gated integrating measurement method represents a widely used approach when fast, repetitive analogue signals are concerned. In this work a compact synchronized gated-integrator prototype has been realized and preliminary characterized. Front-end electronics is based on the mature high-precision switched-integrator transimpedance-amplifier IVC102 whose output is connected to a precision LT1911 inverting amplifier, whereas analogue-to-digital conversion, as well as timing control circuitry, are performed by a high-efficiency LPC845 microcontroller. Synchronizing signal detection with the external trigger generated in coincidence with a source, the proposed circuitry amplifies and integrates the signal only when the pulse is generated, displaying excellent performances in terms of linearity, sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio. Hence, the proposed solution represents an affordable alternative to continuous-time regime measurement-techniques, usually adopted in radiation dosimetry where accuracy and sensitivity are strict requirements for treatment quality assurance.
System Level Optimization for High-Speed SerDes: Background and the Road Towards Machine Learning Assisted Design Frameworks
Authors: Song Shiming , Sui Yu
Published: October 2019

This decade has witnessed wide use of data-driven systems, from multimedia to scientific computing, and in each case quality data movement infrastructure is required, many with SerDes as a cornerstone. On the one hand, HPC and machine learning cloud infrastructure carry exabytes of data in a year through the backplanes of data centers. On the other hand, the growing need for edge computing in the IoT places a tight envelope on the energy per bits. In this survey, we give a system level overview of the common design challenges in implementing SerDes solutions under different scenarios and propose simulation methods benefiting from advanced machine learning techniques. Preliminary results with the proposed simulation platform are demonstrated and analyzed through machine learning based design methodologies.
Geology and Petroleum Systems of the East China Sea Basin
Authors: Wang Bing , Doust Harry , Liu Jingyan
Published: October 2019

The back-arc East China Sea Basin lies on extended continental crust at the leading edge of the Eurasian plate. In this study, the basins are described and subdivided according to their tectono-stratigraphic evolution. In order to distinguish between different phases of deformation in basin development, standard basin evolution patterns related to geodynamic drivers are identified as a first step. On the basis of this, standard patterns are recognized in the sedimentary sequences that characterize the area and its tectonic evolution, and linking them to the petroleum systems present is attempted. This is achieved by characterizing and grouping them into basin cycle-related petroleum system types (PSTs). Finally, the development of plays is examined within the petroleum systems in the context of their tectono-stratigraphic evolution, and groups of sub-basins with similar geological history and, therefore, potentially similar petroleum prospectivity are identified. In the East China Sea Basin, four proven and potential PSTs were recognized: (1) Late Cretaceous to Paleocene oil/gas-prone early syn-rift lacustrine–deltaic PST; (2) Eocene gas/oil prone late syn-rift marine PST; (3) Oligocene to Middle Miocene gas/oil-prone early post-rift fluvial–deltaic PST; (4) gas-prone syn-rift turbiditic PST. The geology and petroleum systems of three major sub-basins of the East China Sea Basin, the Xihu Sub-basin, the Lishui Sub-basin, and Okinawa Trough, are discussed in detail, and their petroleum systems and play development are analyzed. Finally, the sub-basins are grouped into “basin families” distinguished by their tectono-stratigraphic development, namely, Northwest to Northeast Shelf Basin (NWSB–NESB), Southwest to Southeast Shelf Basin (SWSB–SESB), and Okinawa Trough basin families, respectively.
A Novel Integrated Topology to Interface Electric Vehicles and Renewable Energies with the Grid
Authors: Alvarez-Diazcomas Alfredo , López Héctor , Carrillo-Serrano Roberto V. , Rodríguez-Reséndiz Juvenal , Vázquez Nimrod , Herrera-Ruiz Gilberto
Published: October 2019

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are an alternative to internal combustion engine cars to reduce the environmental impact of transportation. It is common to use several power sources to achieve the requirements of the electric motor. A proper power converter and an accurate control strategy need to be utilized to take advantage of the characteristics of every source. In this paper is presented a novel topology of a multiple-input bidirectional DC-DC power converter to interface two or more sources of energy with different voltage levels. Furthermore, it can be used as a buck or a boost in any of the possible conversion of energy. It is also possible to independently control the extracted power in each source and any combination of the elements of the system can be used as source and destiny for a transfer. Finally, the interaction with the grid is possible. The operation, analysis and design of the converter are presented with different modes of power transfer. Simulation results are shown where the theoretical analysis of the converter is validated.
Towards Efficient and Clean Process Integration: Utilisation of Renewable Resources and Energy-Saving Technologies
Authors: Klemeš Jiří Jaromír , Varbanov Petar Sabev , Ocłoń Paweł , Chin Hon Huin
Published: October 2019

The strong demand for sustainable energy supplies had escalated the discovery, and intensive research into cleaner energy sources, as well as efficient energy management practices. In the context of the circular economy, the efforts target not only the optimisation of resource utilisation at various stages, but the products’ eco-design is also emphasized to extend their life spans. Based on the concept of comprehensive circular integration, this review discusses the roles of Process Integration approaches, renewable energy sources utilisation and design modifications in addressing the process of energy and exergy efficiency improvement. The primary focus is to enhance the economic and environmental performance through process analysis, modelling and optimisation. The paper is categorised into sections to show the contribution of each aspect clearly, namely: (a) Design and numerical study for innovative energy-efficient technologies; (b) Process Integration—heat and power; (c) Process energy efficiency or emissions analysis; (d) Optimisation of renewable energy resources supply chain. Each section is assessed based on the latest contribution of this journal’s Special Issue from the 21st conference on Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction (PRES 2018). The key results are highlighted and summarised within the broader context of the state of the art development.
Two-Stroke Wankel Type Rotary Engine: A New Approach for Higher Power Density
Authors: Kutlar Osman Akin , Malkaz Fatih
Published: October 2019

The Wankel engine is a rotary type of four-stroke cycle internal combustion engine. The higher specific power output is one of its strong advantages. In Wankel rotary engine, every eccentric shaft revolution corresponds to one four-stroke cycle, whereas conventional reciprocating engine fulfills four-stroke cycle in two crankshaft revolutions. This means the power stroke frequency is twice that of conventional engines. Theoretically, application of two-stroke cycle on Wankel geometry will duplicate the power stroke frequency. In this research, a single-zone thermodynamic model is developed for studying the performance characteristic of a two-stroke Wankel engine. Two different port timings were adapted from the literature. The results revealed that late opening and early closing port geometry (small opening area) with high supercharging pressure has higher performance at low speed range. However, as the rotor speed increases, the open period of the port area becomes insufficient for the gas exchange, which reduces power performance. Early opening and late closing port geometry (large opening area) with supercharging is more suitable in higher speed range. Port timing and area, charging pressure, and speed are the main factors that characterize output performance. These preliminary results show a potential for increasing power density by applying two-stroke cycle of the Wankel engine.
Review of Detection Methods of Static Eccentricity for Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine
Authors: Aggarwal Anmol , Strangas Elias G.
Published: October 2019

This paper compares the detection methods of static eccentricity in Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (IPMSM). Four methods are discussed: The first method uses shift in the voltages in d–q plane to detect fault. The second method uses shift in peak of the incremental inductance curve for fault detection. The third method uses the combined information of harmonics present both in current and voltage to detect the fault. This makes the detection robust with respect to current controller bandwidth. Finally, the fourth method used for detection includes measuring vibrations using accelerometers. It is shown that all four methods detected static eccentricity. These methods are compared on the basis of utility of fault detection under online or offline conditions and under saturated conditions. For all four methods the machine was tested at healthy, 25% and 50% static eccentricity levels. Two-dimensional (2-D) Finite element analysis was used for simulating machine under healthy and faulty cases. The experiments were performed by controlling the machine using Labview Real-time.
Building Energy Performance Analysis: An Experimental Validation of an In-House Dynamic Simulation Tool through a Real Test Room
Authors: Barone Giovanni , Buonomano Annamaria , Forzano Cesare , Palombo Adolfo
Published: October 2019

This paper focuses on the experimental validation of a building energy performance simulation tool by means of a comparative analysis between numerical results and measurements obtained on a real test room. The empirical tests were carried out for several months under variable weather conditions and in free-floating indoor temperature regime (switched off HVAC system). Measurements were exploited for validating an in-house simulation tool, implemented in MatLab and called DETECt, developed for dynamically assessing the energy performance of buildings. Results show that simulated indoor air and surface room temperatures resulted in very good agreement with the corresponding experimental data; the detected differences were often lower than 0.5 °C and almost always lower than 1 °C. Very low mean absolute and percentage errors were always achieved. In order to show the capabilities of the developed simulation tool, a suitable case study focused on innovative solar radiation high-reflective coatings, and infrared low-emissivity materials is also presented. The performance of these coatings and materials was investigated through a comparative analysis conducted to evaluate their heating and cooling energy saving potentials. Simulation results, obtained for the real test cell considered as equipped with such innovative coatings and material, show that for the weather zone of Naples a 5% saving is obtained both in summer and in winter by simultaneously adopting a high-reflectance coating and a low- emissivity plaster for roof/external walls and interior walls, respectively.
Optimized Surge Arrester Allocation Based on Genetic Algorithm and ATP Simulation in Electric Distribution Systems
Authors: Rocha Gabriel Vianna Soares , Barradas Raphael Pablo de Souza , Muniz João Rodrigo Silva , Bezerra Ubiratan Holanda , Araújo Igor Meireles de , Costa Daniel de Souza Avelar da , Silva Abner Cardoso da , Nunes Marcus Vinícius Alves , Silva Jucileno Silva e
Published: October 2019

The efficient protection of electric power distribution networks against lightning discharges is a crucial problem for distribution electric utilities. To solve this problem, the great challenge is to find a solution for the installation of surge arresters at specific points in the electrical grid and in a sufficient quantity that can ensure an adequate level of equipment protection and be within the utility’s budget. As a solution to this problem of using ATP (Alternative Transient Program), this paper presents a methodology for optimized surge arrester allocation based on genetic algorithm (GA), with a fitness function that maximizes the number of protected equipment according to the financial availability for investment in surge arresters. As ATP may demand too much processing time when running large distribution grids, an innovative procedure is implemented to obtain an overvoltage severity description of the grid and select only the most critical electric nodes for the incidence of lightning discharges, in the GA allocation procedure. The results obtained for the IEEE-123 bus electric feeder indicate a great reduction of flashover occurrence, thus increasing the equipment protection level.
Modeling and Assessing of Self-Reconfigurable Cleaning Robot hTetro Based on Energy Consumption
Authors: Hayat Abdullah Aamir , Karthikeyan Parasuraman , Vega-Heredia Manuel , Elara Mohan Rajesh
Published: October 2019

The autonomous floor-cleaning self-reconfigurable robots have entered into the practical stage by establishing enhanced area coverage over the fixed morphology counterparts. Energy consumption during the self-reconfiguration, i.e., changing the shape of the robot from one form to another, becomes a primary focus in these robots that carry finite energy sources. In this paper, hTetro platform with two hinge dissections namely, Left–Left–Left (LLL) and Left–Left–Right (LLR) are modeled and assessed for the energy consumption during the reconfiguration. The geometry of the two dissections, its workspaces, and the set of inverse kinematics solutions for the seven forms are presented. The inverse dynamics using the Newton–Euler approach was adopted to calculate the wrench, i.e., forces and moments at the hinge joints, and subsequently assess the power consumed during the reconfigurations of two hinge dissections in the simulation. Extensive experiments were performed across the two assembled platforms to estimate the power consumption by logging the current data. The comparison was made with the simulation results. The results are particularly useful in the selection of reconfiguration with minimal energy consumption during the floor cleaning.
Comprehensive Second-Order Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology (2nd-ASAM) Applied to a Subcritical Experimental Reactor Physics Benchmark: II. Effects of Imprecisely Known Microscopic Scattering Cross Sections
Authors: Fang Ruixian , Cacuci Dan Gabriel
Published: October 2019

This work continues the presentation commenced in Part I of the second-order sensitivity analysis of nuclear data of a polyethylene-reflected plutonium (PERP) benchmark using the Second-Order Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology (2nd-ASAM). This work reports the results of the computations of the first- and second-order sensitivities of this benchmark’s computed leakage response with respect to the benchmark’s 21,600 parameters underlying the computed group-averaged isotopic scattering cross sections. The numerical results obtained for the 21,600 first-order relative sensitivities indicate that the majority of these were small, the largest having relative values of O (10−2). Furthermore, the vast majority of the (21600)2 second-order sensitivities with respect to the scattering cross sections were much smaller than the corresponding first-order ones. Consequently, this work shows that the effects of variances in the scattering cross sections on the expected value, variance, and skewness of the response distribution were negligible in comparison to the corresponding effects stemming from uncertainties in the total cross sections, which were presented in Part I. On the other hand, it was found that 52 of the 21600 × 180 mixed second-order sensitivities of the leakage response with respect to the scattering and total microscopic cross sections had values that were significantly larger than the unmixed second-order sensitivities of the leakage response with respect to the group-averaged scattering microscopic cross sections. The first- and second-order mixed sensitivities of the PERP benchmark’s leakage response with respect to the scattering cross sections and the other benchmark parameters (fission cross sections, average number of neutrons per fission, fission spectrum, isotopic atomic number densities, and source parameters) have also been computed and will be reported in subsequent works.
Economic and Spatial Determinants of Energy Consumption in the European Union
Authors: Flores-Chamba Jorge , López-Sánchez Michelle , Ponce Pablo , Guerrero-Riofrío Patricia , Álvarez-García José
Published: October 2019

In recent decades, various policies have been implemented to reduce energy consumption, as well as a considerable increase in research that analyzes the determinants of energy consumption, both with a standard feature, mitigating environmental degradation. However, few studies investigate the economic and spatial determinants of energy consumption in the European Union (EU). Therefore, to cover the knowledge gap, based on the review of the existing literature, this document is designed to analyze the determinants and energy policy in energy consumption in the EU. For this reason, the objective of this research is to analyze the effect of human capital, the price of oil, and Kyoto Protocol policy on energy consumption. In addition, the effect of contiguity and spatial concentration on energy consumption is studied for 34 European countries, of which 26 belong to the EU, for the period 2000–2016. For this, data collected from the World Bank (2017) and the World Energy Statistical Review (2017) were used. The work methodology is based on the application of econometric techniques for panel data, and spatial econometrics, based on the application of a Spatial Durbin Model (SDM), through which the existence of “spillovers” was determined in the implementation of the energy policy. The results of the estimates show a negative effect of the price of oil and human capital concerning energy consumption, and the variable “Policy” reflects a reduction in the energy consumption of the EU countries in the period analyzed. Additionally, the space panel confirms that the behavior of a country’s energy consumption depends on its past values and the level of consumption presented by its neighbors, corroborating the importance of territorial contiguity in the success of environmental policy in the case of the European Union.
Species Association of the Dominant Tree Species in an Old-Growth Forest and Implications for Enrichment Planting for the Restoration of Natural Degraded Forest in Subtropical China
Authors: Liu Ziwei , Zhu Yan , Wang Jianjun , Ma Wu , Meng Jinghui
Published: October 2019

Subtropical natural forests are unique due to their ecological and economic functions. However, most of these forests are highly degraded, which impairs the ability to provide ecological and economic benefits. Enrichment planting is an important approach to restore natural degraded forests. Species arrangement is of great importance to inform enrichment planting. Species association refers to the interrelationship of different species occupying a habitat and is a static description of the organic connection formed by the interaction of species. Species association, therefore, provides a scientific basis for species arrangement in enrichment planting. Additionally, because an old-growth forest is a climax community that has attained great age without significant disturbance, the species association in an old-growth forest can provide valuable information on the reference conditions for forest management. In this study, the species association between dominant tree species (including saplings and adult trees) was investigated in an old-growth forest in the Gutianshan National Nature Reserve in Zhejiang province in subtropical China. The objective of the study was to inform species arrangement for enrichment planting. The result showed that the overall species association exhibited a significant net positive association, indicating a dynamic balance of stable structure and species composition in the old-growth forest. Additionally, the pairwise species association was examined using the χ2 test, the Dice index, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient; significant positive and negative pairwise species associations were detected. Based on the species association and the light requirements of the tree species, an optimal species arrangement was determined to support enrichment planting for restoring natural degraded forests. It is expected that the results of this study will contribute to the restoration of natural degraded forests in subtropical China.
Clinical Presentation and Novel Pathogenic Variants among 68 Chinese Neurofibromatosis 1 Children
Authors: Yao Ruen , Yu Tingting , Xu Yufei , Yu Li , Wang Jiwen , Wang Xiumin , Wang Jian , Shen Yiping
Published: October 2019

Background: Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is one of the most common dominantly inherited genetic disorders worldwide, with an age-dependent phenotypic expression. Exploring the mutational spectrum and clinical presentation of NF1 patients at different ages from a diverse population will aid the understanding of genotype–phenotype correlations. Methods: In this study, 95 Chinese children with clinical suspicion of NF1 mainly due to the presence of multiple café-au-lait macules (CALMs) were subjected to medical exome-sequencing analysis and Sanger confirmation of pathogenic variants. Clinical presentations were evaluated regarding dermatological, ocular, neurological, and behavioral features. Results: Pathogenic or likely pathogenic NF1 variants were detected in 71.6% (68/95) of patients; 20 pathogenic variants were not previously reported, indicating that Chinese NF1 patients are still understudied. Parental Sanger sequencing confirmation revealed 77.9% of de novo variants, a percentage that was much higher than expected. The presence of a higher number of NF1-related features at young ages was correlated with positive diagnostic findings. In addition to CALMs, neurological and behavioral features had a high expression among Chinese NF1 children. We attempted to correlate short stature with the locations of the pathogenic variants across the NF1 gene. It is interesting to notice that variants detected in the C-terminal region of the NF1 gene were less likely to be associated with short stature among the NF1 patients, whereas variants at the N-terminal were highly penetrant for the short stature phenotype. Conclusion: Novel NF1 pathogenic variants are yet to be uncovered in under-studied NF1 patient populations; their identification will help to reveal novel genotype–phenotype correlations.
Population Genomics of Bettongia lesueur: Admixing Increases Genetic Diversity with no Evidence of Outbreeding Depression
Authors: Rick Kate , Ottewell Kym , Lohr Cheryl , Thavornkanlapachai Rujiporn , Byrne Margaret , Kennington W. Jason
Published: October 2019

Small and isolated populations are subject to the loss of genetic variation as a consequence of inbreeding and genetic drift, which in turn, can affect the fitness and long-term viability of populations. Translocations can be used as an effective conservation tool to combat this loss of genetic diversity through establishing new populations of threatened species, and to increase total population size. Releasing animals from multiple genetically diverged sources is one method to optimize genetic diversity in translocated populations. However, admixture as a conservation tool is rarely utilized due to the risks of outbreeding depression. Using high-resolution genomic markers through double-digest restriction site-associated sequencing (ddRAD-seq) and life history data collected over nine years of monitoring, this study investigates the genetic and fitness consequences of admixing two genetically-distinct subspecies of Bettongia lesueur in a conservation translocation. Using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified from 215 individuals from multiple generations, we found an almost 2-fold increase in genetic diversity in the admixed translocation population compared to the founder populations, and this was maintained over time. Furthermore, hybrid class did not significantly impact on survivorship or the recruitment rate and therefore we found no indication of outbreeding depression. This study demonstrates the beneficial application of mixing multiple source populations in the conservation of threatened species for minimizing inbreeding and enhancing adaptive potential and overall fitness.
Hydrothermal Carbonate Mineralization, Calcretization, and Microbial Diagenesis Associated with Multiple Sedimentary Phases in the Upper Cretaceous Bekhme Formation, Kurdistan Region-Iraq
Authors: Salih Namam , Mansurbeg Howri , Kolo Kamal , Préat Alain
Published: October 2019

Hydrothermal diagenesis during the Zagros Orogeny produced three phases of saddle dolomites (SD1, SD2, and SD3) and two phases of blocky calcites (CI and CII) in the studied sections of Bekhme Formation (Fm) (Campanian–Maastrichtian). Field observations, as well as petrographic, cathodoluminescence (CL), Scanning Elecron Microscope (SEM), and oxygen–carbon isotope analyses, indicated that the unit went through multiple submergence–emergence phases after or during hydrothermal diagenesis. These phases resulted in a characteristic calcretized 2–6-m-thick layer within the Bekhme Fm. Several pedogenic textures (e.g., alveolar, pisolite, and laminar fabric microfeatures) were observed. Strong evidence of microbial alteration and diagenesis in this formation brings new insights into its depositional history. The microbial activities developed on the original mineral surface were associated with a great variety of processes including dissolution, re-precipitation, replacement, open-space fillings, microporosity development, grain bridging, and micritization. Probable oxalate pseudomorphs embedded in these fabrics and regular filaments preserved along crystal boundaries suggest the activity of fungi, while frequent coccoidal, rod-like, and chain-like forms attached to the surfaces of dolomitic and calcitic crystals point to bacterial colonization. Extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) was often visible with fungal and bacterial forms. These features, together with stable isotope data, invoke that near-surface conditions occurred sporadically in the Bekhme Fm after the first generation of hydrothermal dolomitization. These new findings allow recognition of unreported sedimentological phases based on new evidence in the Spelek–Sulauk area during the Upper Cretaceous.
Cancer Survival Data Representation for Improved Parametric and Dynamic Lifetime Analysis
Authors: Vandamme Lode K.J. , Wouters Peter A.A.F. , Slooter Gerrit D. , de Hingh Ignace H.J.T.
Published: October 2019

Survival functions are often characterized by a median survival time or a 5-year survival. Whether or not such representation is sufficient depends on tumour development. Different tumour stages have different mean survival times after therapy. The validity of an exponential decay and the origins of deviations are substantiated. The paper shows, that representation of survival data as logarithmic functions visualizes differences better, which allows for differentiating short- and long-term dynamic lifetime. It is more instructive to represent the changing lifetime expectancy for an individual who has survived a certain time, which can be significantly different from the initial expectation just after treatment. Survival data from 15 publications on cancer are compared and re-analysed based on the well-established: (i) exponential decay (ii) piecewise constant hazard (iii) Weibull model and our proposed parametric survival models, (iv) the two-τ and (v) the sliding-τ model. The new models describe either accelerated aging or filtering out of defects with numerical parameters with a physical meaning and add information to the usually provided log-rank P-value or median survival. The statistical inhomogeneity in a group by mixing up different tumour stages, metastases and treatments is the main origin for deviations from the exponential decay.
Vegetation Conditions in Sacred Compounds at Myanmar’s Bagan Cultural Heritage Site
Authors: Aung Min Zar Ni , Shibata Shozo
Published: October 2019

Scrub vegetation encroaches into the proximity of many monuments at Myanmar’s Bagan Cultural Heritage Site, as can be seen at many other monuments on the world. The extensiveness of scrub vegetation can interfere with the integrity of the cultural landscape when ignored by site management. The current study examined how significant the occurrence of scrub vegetation might be, quantifying the canopy coverage with relative occupancy of other components in the sacred compounds. The sacred compounds in Bagan enclose religious monuments in environments classified as farmland, monastic residences, accessways, shrub-hosting areas, and scrub vegetation. The coverage of scrub vegetation was more than a quarter of the area of sacred compounds, whereas that of shrub-hosting patches was about half. The other components occupied less than one-fifth of the area. The associated occurrence of scrub vegetation indicated the invasion of alien species from the drier hinterland to the riverside of Ayeyarwady. While such a situation reveals site management as a priority, the presence of cultivated farmland in the vicinity of monuments represented suppression of weedy growth that may later facilitate the occurrence of scrub-type plants. This study suggests cultivation as a reasonable practice for the integrity of the cultural landscape and safeguarding the monuments in Bagan.
Treatment of Metformin-Containing Wastewater by a Hybrid Vertical Anaerobic Biofilm-Reactor (HyVAB)
Authors: Janka Eshetu , Carvajal Diego , Wang Shuai , Bakke Rune , Dinamarca Carlos
Published: October 2019

Several series of batch and continuous experiments were performed to investigate the removal of metformin and other contaminants from two wastewaters: wastewater I (WWI) containing 4 mg/L metformin and wastewater II (WWII) containing 110 g/L butanol. Biomethane potential (BMP) tests on WWII showed 77% of total chemical oxygen demand (tCOD = 110 g/L) degradability, and no apparent inhibition effects were observed. BMP tests on WWI showed an apparent inhibitory effect reflected in lower biogas production with increasing metformin concentration in the wastewater. Continuous flow hybrid vertical anaerobic biofilm (HyVAB®) experiments were consistent with the batch test findings. It was necessary to co-digest WWI (metformin) with WWII (easily degradable organics) to achieve complete metformin removal. After a period of adaptation, WWI and WWII co-digestion achieved up to 98% tCOD removal and 100% metformin removal. Most of the contaminants were removed in the anaerobic section of the HyVAB®, which implies that higher chemical oxygen demand (COD) loads than tested here are possible, given some optimization. The pilot reactor was able to manage organic loads of 11 g COD/d and above 10 mg/L metformin with a removal of 98% and 100% for tCOD and metformin, respectively.
Effects of High Intensity Interval Training on Executive Function in Children Aged 8–12 Years
Authors: Tottori Nobuaki , Morita Noriteru , Ueta Kenji , Fujita Satoshi
Published: October 2019

This study investigated the effects of a high intensity interval training (HIIT) program on both physical fitness and executive functions in children. Fifty-six children aged 8–12 years participated in this study, and were divided into a HIIT group and a control group. The HIIT group performed three sessions of the 8- to 10-min HIIT program per week for 4 weeks. Before and after the intervention, 20-m shuttle runs, sit-ups, and standing long jumps were assessed as test of physical fitness. In addition, the executive function was assessed using the digit span forward (DSF) test, digit span backward (DSB) test, and Tower of Hanoi test. Only the HIIT group experienced significant improvement when completing the 20-m shuttle run (p = 0.042) and sit-ups (p < 0.001). Regarding executive function, the number of correct answers in DSB test significantly increased only in the HIIT group (p = 0.003). However, the standing long jump, DSF, and the Tower of Hanoi test performance did not change after intervention. The findings of the present study suggest that HIIT has positive effects on a core executive function such as working memory in addition to components of the physical fitness such as cardiorespiratory endurance and muscular endurance.