bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Citizen Monsters: Race and Cannibalism in Suzette Mayr’s Venous Hum
Authors: Beverley Andrea
Published: December 2016

Halfway through Suzette Mayr’s 2004 novel Venous Hum, a number of the central characters are revealed to be cannibalistic vampires, some of whom are reformed and loveable while others are violent and villainous. The novel is funny and satirical with connections to cult horror films and canonical Canadian literature. By reading Venous Hum in terms of magic realism and literary cannibalism, this essay focusses on the ways in which Mayr’s evocations of vampires and cannibals lead readers towards a politicized questioning of the relationship between perceived differences and official nation-state discourse. This essay thus examines the novel’s magic realist monster imagery in relation to racialization and the politics of interpellation, visibility, inclusion, and assimilation in multicultural Canada. Mayr makes ironic use of the colonial resonances of cannibalistic discourse in order to critique the relationship between the nation-state and its varied citizens, and between official multicultural policy and the lived experience of racialization.
Revisiting Post-Confederation Fiscal Policy: Liberal Dissent from Conservative Deficits
Authors: Tatalovich Raymond
Published: December 2016

The leading studies of post-Confederation fiscal policy (Perry 1955; Gillespie 1991) have assumed that both political parties favoured deficits to build public works, notably railroads, but these studies’ research, which looked only at selected budget speeches, was inconclusive and misleading. This essay analyzes Liberal and Conservative budget speeches as well as the Opposition responses for the entire period of 1867-1903; this more complete historical record shows that the Liberals consistently opposed the Conservative reliance on deficit financing and public indebtedness.
Sex Garage: Unspooling Narratives, Rethinking Collectivities
Authors: Crawford Jason B. , Herland Karen
Published: December 2016

In the summer of 1990, Montreal’s alternative queer community came together in response to a police raid on an after-hours party, and arrests during subsequent clashes. Reviewing the video evidence that exists of the events surrounding the Sex Garage raid, as well as newspaper articles and news features, the authors found that a reductionist story had coalesced out of the multiple and varying experiences of the activisms around the incidents, spooling them into a unified narrative. In this essay, the authors unspool this singular narrative through their dialogic reflections on their different experiences of Sex Garage, and not only offer alternate stories of the events surrounding Sex Garage, but also demonstrate one attempt at rethinking the ways that the authors both tell and write the stories of their histories.
Radical Atlantic: Joseph Howe and the Culture of Reform
Authors: Keen Paul
Published: December 2016

This essay engages with critical reappraisals of Loyalist culture by exploring the ways that Joseph Howe’s enthusiastic identification with Britain served as a basis for his struggle to achieve political reform in Nova Scotia. It suggests that the rhetorical extravagance of Howe’s praise for Britain as an unrivaled site of political justice, both in its parliamentary structure and its broader culture, amounted to a form of strategic idealism designed to provide Howe with an important form of critical leverage in his political struggles at home. Focussing primarily on Howe’s work in the Novascotian during his years as its editor (1828-41) and other key texts such as his defence speech in his 1835 libel trial, this essay traces the ways that Howe’s Loyalist heritage could be mobilized on behalf of the struggle for reform.
When Beer Was Off-side: Drink, Sport, and the Ideals of Civic Citizenship in Two Ontario Cities, 1934-44
Authors: Malleck Dan
Published: December 2016

When licensed hotel beverage rooms were opened in Ontario in 1934, the Liquor Control Board tried to ensure that these places were located away from places where individuals assembled who might be vulnerable to temptation. Accordingly, the board refused licences to hotels located near churches, playgrounds, or schools. It also was wary of licensing places near hockey arenas. Considerable confusion arose, therefore, when hotels sought licences near Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto and the Garden City Arena in St. Catharines. The former was a major professional entertainment complex, while the latter was a point of civic pride built at least partly through public subscription. The ensuing controversies in both cases underscore the conflicting relationship between healthy physical activity and morally questioned drinking spaces, while exploring the shifting priorities of a liquor control board that sought to ensure that alcohol was consumed by the public in a socially orderly manner.
Prairie Capitalism Revisited: Canada, Bitumen, and the Resource Colony Question
Authors: Kellogg Paul
Published: December 2016

The 1979 classic Prairie Capitalism controversially asserted, “we find no confirmation of the thesis that provinces, heavily dependent on the exploitation and sale of staples, are thereby placed in a permanent position of political dependency vis à vis external capital” (Richards and Pratt 1979, 8). Developments in the years since have confirmed the book’s analysis, and this has clear implications both for our understanding of the trajectory of Canadian capitalism, and for our assessment of the core tenets of Canadian political economy. Further, an appreciation of the contemporary utility of this aspect of the analysis in Prairie Capitalism is a necessary corrective to the contemporary “resource colony” discourse associated with Canada’s bitumen sands industry.
Transoral robotic surgery for sellar tumors: first clinical study
Authors: Chauvet Dorian , Hans Stéphane , Missistrano Antoine , Rebours Celeste , Bakkouri Wissame El , Lot Guillaume
Published: December 2016

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to confirm the feasibility of an innovative transoral robotic surgery (TORS), using the da Vinci Surgical System, for patients with sellar tumors. This technique was designed to offer a new minimally invasive approach, without soft-palate splitting, that avoids the rhinological side effects of classic endonasal approaches.

METHODS

The authors performed a prospective study of TORS in patients with symptomatic sellar tumors. Specific anatomical features were required for inclusion in the study and were determined on the basis of preoperative open-mouth CT scans of the brain. The main outcome measure was sellar accessibility using the robot. Resection quality, mean operative time, postoperative changes in patients' vision, side effects, and complications were additionally reported.

RESULTS

Between February and May 2016, 4 patients (all female, mean age 49.5 years) underwent TORS for resection of sellar tumors as participants in this study. All patients presented with symptomatic visual deficits confirmed as bitemporal hemianopsia. All tumors had a suprasellar portion and a cystic part. In all 4 cases, the operation was performed via TORS, without the need for a second surgery. Sella turcica accessibility was satisfactory in all cases. In 3 cases, tumor resection was complete. The mean operative time was 2 hours 43 minutes. Three patients had a significant visual improvement at Day 1. No rhinological side effects or complications in patients occurred. No pathological examination was performed regarding the fluid component of the tumors. There was 1 postoperative delayed CSF leak and 1 case of transient diabetes insipidus. Side effects specific to TORS included minor sore throat, transient hypernasal speech, and 1 case of delayed otitis media. The mean length of hospital stay and mean follow up were 8.25 days and 82 days, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first report of the surgical treatment of sellar tumors by means of a minimally invasive TORS. This approach using the da Vinci Surgical System seems feasible and constitutes an innovative neurosurgical technique that may avoid the adverse side effects and technical disadvantages of the classic transsphenoidal route. Moreover, TORS allows an inferosuperior approach to the sella turcica, which is a key point, as the tumor is approached in the direction of its growth.
Global existence of solutions for the second grade fluid equations in a thin three-dimensional domain
Authors: Abdelhedi Bouthaina
Published: December 2016

We consider the second grade fluid equations on a thin three-dimensional domain with periodic boundary conditions. We prove global existence and uniqueness of the solution for large initial data. We use an appropriate decomposition of solution u into a v part, which is solution of a [Formula: see text] second grade fluid equations and the remaining w part which has an initial data converging to 0 as the thickness of the thin domain goes to 0.
Stable Angina Treatment Strategies and Current Practices in Lahore, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Ahmed Ali , Tanveer Maria , Bano Naheed , Khan Gul Majid
Published: December 2016

The purpose of the study was to analyze the prescription trends in the treatment of stable angina and to identify the therapeutic agents being prescribed majorly In Pakistan and to analyze that whether the current prescription patterns are in accordance with evidence based guidelines. A concurrent type of study was conducted from 24-01-2015 to 24-04-2015, through collection of data from prescriptions of patients suffering from stable angina in public sector hospitals of Lahore Pakistan. Data observations from the total 200 prescriptions collected from the hospitals of Lahore graphically demonstrate the trends of drug classes per prescription. The study identified that in the treatment of stable angina Antiplatelet are the most frequently prescribed drug class in Lahore and adjacent areas. Followed by CCBs on 2nd rank and nitrates on 3rd rank, ACE inhibitors and ARBs on 4th number, after which statins occupy the 5th position, lastly comes the position of beta blocker i.e. 6th and diuretics are the least prescribed class. The anti-platelet blocker drugs were the most prescribed drug class in the management of chronic stable angina followed by calcium channel and vasodilators occupying the second and third rank respectively. The study also revealed that men are 1.5 times more vulnerable to the development of angina than the females. The study is also showing concrete evidence that there is strong need to follow guidelines for proper treatment.Ahmed et al., International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, December 2016, 6(1): 1-5http://www.icpjonline.com/documents/Vol6Issue1/01.pdf
Medication Safety in Hospital
Authors: Alreshidi Ibrahim Dughaim
Published: December 2016

The World Health Organization has recommended the adoption of basic applications in healthcare facilities to enhance medication safety over the years, but it remains unclear if these recommendations are adhered to by hospitals. We assessed the availability of primary medication safety practices in Saudi Arabian hospitals. Survey were carried out in 70 hospitals to identify the presence of core medication safety practices in Saudi Arabian hospitals and revealed that there were room and opportunity for improvement, even for cheap interventions. According to the study, only about 29% of the Saudi Arabian hospitals had a proper functioning drug safety committee, and 10% had a designated medication safety officer. It was also revealed that only 32% of the hospitals had the list of LASA authorized drugs, and 51% had a list of error-prone abbreviations and medical terms. Saturated electrolytes were also found as floor stock in 60% of all hospitals.Alreshidi, International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, December 2016, 6(1): 6-8http://www.icpjonline.com/documents/Vol6Issue1/02.pdf
Conducting Wine Symphonics with the Aid of Yeast Genomics
Authors: Pretorius Isak
Published: December 2016

A perfectly balanced wine can be said to create a symphony in the mouth. To achieve the sublime, both in wine and music, requires imagination and skilled orchestration of artistic craftmanship. For wine, inventiveness starts in the vineyard. Similar to a composer of music, the grapegrower produces grapes through a multitude of specifications to achieve a quality result. Different Vitis vinifera grape varieties allow the creation of wine of different genres. Akin to a conductor of music, the winemaker decides what genre to create and considers resources required to realise the grape’s potential. A primary consideration is the yeast: whether to inoculate the grape juice or leave it ‘wild’; whether to inoculate with a specific strain of Saccharomyces or a combination of Saccharomyces strains; or whether to proceed with a non-Saccharomyces species? Whilst the various Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts perform their role during fermentation, the performance is not over until the ‘fat lady’ (S. cerevisiae) has sung (i.e., the grape sugar has been fermented to specified dryness and alcoholic fermentation is complete). Is the wine harmonious or discordant? Will the consumer demand an encore and make a repeat purchase? Understanding consumer needs lets winemakers orchestrate different symphonies (i.e., wine styles) using single- or multi-species ferments. Some consumers will choose the sounds of a philharmonic orchestra comprising a great range of diverse instrumentalists (as is the case with wine created from spontaneous fermentation); some will prefer to listen to a smaller ensemble (analogous to wine produced by a selected group of non-Saccharomyces and Saccharomyces yeast); and others will favour the well-known and reliable superstar soprano (i.e., S. cerevisiae). But what if a digital music synthesizer—such as a synthetic yeast—becomes available that can produce any music genre with the purest of sounds by the touch of a few buttons? Will synthesisers spoil the character of the music and lead to the loss of the much-lauded romantic mystique? Or will music synthesisers support composers and conductors to create novel compositions and even higher quality performances that will thrill audiences? This article explores these and other relevant questions in the context of winemaking and the role that yeast and its genomics play in the betterment of wine quality.
Development of Blueberry and Carrot Juice Blend Fermented by Lactobacillus reuteri LR92
Authors: Mauro Carolina , Guergoletto Karla , Garcia Sandra
Published: December 2016

This study aimed to evaluate the blueberry and carrot juice blend as a fermentable substrate for Lactobacillus reuteri LR92, in order to develop a fermented non-dairy functional beverage. Analysis of cell viability, pH, and acidity were performed during the fermentation process. The resistance of the microorganism in the blend, under simulated gastrointestinal conditions and in storage at 4 °C for 28 days, was evaluated at the same time as the antioxidant potential of the fermented juice. After 40 h of fermentation, the L. reuteri population presented a logarithmic growth of three cycles, reaching count records of 10.26 ± 0.23 log CFU/mL and after 28 days of storage at 4 °C, the bacterial population maintained elevated numbers of viable cell (8.96 ± 0.08 log CFU/mL), with increase in the antioxidant capacity of the fermented blend. However, in the test of gastric simulation, the L. reuteri population had a logarithmic reduction of five cycles. In the presence of bile salts, the viability was maintained even after 150 min of incubation. This way, the results suggested that the blueberry and carrot blend juice can be considered as a good medium for the growth of L. reuteri, providing microbiological stability during refrigerated storage with elevated antioxidant capacity, which allows for the development of a non-dairy probiotic beverage.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Magnetic Properties of Giant Unit Cell Intermetallics R117Co52+δSn112+γ (R = Y, La, Pr, Nd, Ho)
Authors: Chai Ping , Abramchuk Mykola , Shatruk Michael
Published: December 2016

Ternary intermetallics R117Co52+δSn112+γ (R = Y, La, Pr, Nd, and Ho) have been prepared by arc-melting followed by annealing at 800 °C. All the compounds belong to the Tb117Fe52Ge112 structure type (space group Fm 3 ¯ m) characterized by a complex giant cubic unit cell with a ~ 30 Å. The single-crystal structure determination of Y- and La-containing compounds reveals a significant structural disorder. A comparison of these and earlier reported crystal structures of R117Co52+δSn112+γ suggests that more extensive disorder occurs for structures that contain larger lanthanide atoms. This observation can be explained by the need to maintain optimal bonding interactions as the size of the unit cell increases. Y117Co56Sn115 exhibits weak paramagnetism due to the Co sublattice and does not show magnetic ordering in the 1.8–300 K range. Ho117Co55Sn108 shows ferromagnetic ordering at 10.6 K. Both Pr117Co54Sn112 and Nd117Co54Sn111 exhibit antiferromagnetic ordering at 17 K and 24.7 K, respectively, followed by a spin reorientation transition at lower temperature.
Batch Fermentative Biohydrogen Production Process Using Immobilized Anaerobic Sludge from Organic Solid Waste
Authors: Sekoai Patrick , Yoro Kelvin , Daramola Michael
Published: December 2016

This study examined the potential of organic solid waste for biohydrogen production using immobilized anaerobic sludge. Biohydrogen was produced under batch mode at process conditions of 7.9, 30.3 °C and 90 h for pH, temperature and fermentation time, respectively. A maximum biohydrogen fraction of 48.67%, which corresponded to a biohydrogen yield of 215.39 mL H2/g Total Volatile Solids (TVS), was achieved. Therefore, the utilization of immobilized cells could pave the way for a large-scale biohydrogen production process.
SOM and Biomass C Stocks in Degraded and Undisturbed Andean and Coastal Nothofagus Forests of Southwestern South America
Authors: Dube Francis , Stolpe Neal
Published: December 2016

Grazing and over-exploitation can severely degrade soil in native forests. Considering that productivity in ecosystems is related to soil organic matter (SOM) content and quality, the objectives of this study were to: (1) determine the influence of degraded (DEF), partly-degraded (PDF), and undisturbed (UNF) Nothofagus forests on the stocks of carbon (C) in tree biomass and SOM; (2) evaluate fractions of SOM as indicators of sustainable management; and (3) use the Century model to determine the potential gains of soil organic C (SOC). The forests are located in the Andes and Coastal mountains of southern Chile. The SOM was fractionated to separate the light fraction (LF), macroaggregates (>212 µm), mesoaggregates (212–53 µm), and microaggregates (<53 µm). In two measurement periods, the SOC stocks at 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm depths in macroaggregates were on average 100% higher in the Andean UNF, and SOC was over twice as much at 20–40 cm depth in Andean DEF. Century simulations showed that improved silvopastoral management would gradually increase total SOC in degraded soils of both sites, especially the Ultisol with a 15% increase between 2016 and 2216 (vs. 7% in the Andisol). Greater SOC in macroaggregates (p < 0.05) of UNF indicate a condition of higher sustainability and better management over the years.
Microbiological Exploration of Different Types of Kefir Grains
Authors: Plessas Stavros , Nouska Chrysanthi , Mantzourani Ioanna , Kourkoutas Yiannis , Alexopoulos Athanasios , Bezirtzoglou Eugenia
Published: December 2016

Many studies have been published lately verifying the probiotic character of kefir grains. Most of them focused on the benefits to human health through the consumption of fermented food with kefir grains. However, the challenge is to characterize and isolate specific probiotic microorganisms involved in the kefir microbiota. The main reason for this is that the food industry prefers to apply isolated probiotic microorganisms from kefir grains rather than kefir grains in order to produce respective fermented products with added value. Thus, modern molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based amplification, new generation sequencing (NGS) or denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analyses have been applied. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the latest outcomes regarding the health benefits of the consumption of foods fermented with kefir grains and particularly the isolation of microorganisms from kefir grains worldwide, some of them exhibiting probiotic properties.
Mutant CAG Repeats Effectively Targeted by RNA Interference in SCA7 Cells
Authors: Fiszer Agnieszka , Wroblewska Joanna , Nowak Bartosz , Krzyzosiak Wlodzimierz
Published: December 2016

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is a human neurodegenerative polyglutamine (polyQ) disease caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the open reading frame of the ATXN7 gene. The allele-selective silencing of mutant transcripts using a repeat-targeting strategy has previously been used for several polyQ diseases. Herein, we demonstrate that the selective targeting of a repeat tract in a mutant ATXN7 transcript by RNA interference is a feasible approach and results in an efficient decrease of mutant ataxin-7 protein in patient-derived cells. Oligonucleotides (ONs) containing specific base substitutions cause the downregulation of the ATXN7 mutant allele together with the upregulation of its normal allele. The A2 ON shows high allele selectivity at a broad range of concentrations and also restores UCHL1 expression, which is downregulated in SCA7.
Effect of 5-HT2A Receptor Polymorphisms, Work Stressors, and Social Support on Job Strain among Petroleum Workers in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Jiang Yu , Tang Jinhua , Li Rong , Zhao Junling , Song Zhixin , Ge Hua , Lian Yulong , Liu Jiwen
Published: December 2016

Previous studies have shown that work stressors and social support influence job strain. However, few studies have examined the impact of individual differences on job strain. In Xinjiang, there are a large number of petroleum workers in arid deserts. The present study investigated the effects of work stressors, social support, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor (5-HTR2A) genotype on the etiology of job strain among petroleum workers in Xinjiang. A cross-sectional study was carried out between January and August 2013. A total of 700 workers were selected by a three-stage stratified sampling method. 5-HTR2A genotypes were determined with the SNaPshot single nucleotide polymorphism assay. Work stressors and job strain were evaluated with the Occupational Stress Inventory-Revised questionnaire. Social support was assessed with the Chinese Social Support Rating Scale. Work overload and responsibility were significantly associated with job strain. Low social support was associated with severe vocational and interpersonal strain. High social support was a protective factor against job strain (odds ratio (OR) = 0.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14–0.76). The CC genotype of rs6313 and the AA genotype of rs2070040 were linked to severe vocational strain. Ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that the CC genotype of rs6313 was linked to higher risk of job strain than the TT genotype (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.10–3.23). These data provide evidence that work stressors, low social support, and 5-HTR2A gene polymorphism contributes to the risk of job strain.
The Detoxification and Degradation of Benzothiazole from the Wastewater in Microbial Electrolysis Cells
Authors: Liu Xianshu , Ding Jie , Ren Nanqi , Tong Qingyue , Zhang Luyan
Published: December 2016

In this study, the high-production-volume chemical benzothiazole (BTH) from synthetic water was fully degraded into less toxic intermediates of simple organic acids using an up-flow internal circulation microbial electrolysis reactor (UICMER) under the hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 24 h. The bioelectrochemical system was operated at 25 ± 2 °C and continuous-flow mode. The BTH loading rate varied during experiments from 20 g·m−3·day−1 to 110 g·m−3·day−1. BTH and soluble COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) removal efficiency reached 80% to 90% under all BTH loading rates. Bioluminescence based Shewanella oneidensis strain MR-1 ecotoxicity testing demonstrated that toxicity was largely decreased compared to the BTH wastewater influent and effluent of two control experiments. The results indicated that MEC (Microbial Electrolysis Cell) was useful and reliable for improving BTH wastewater treatment efficiency, enabling the microbiological reactor to more easily respond to the requirements of higher loading rate, which is meaningful for economic and efficient operation in future scale-up.
Spatiotemporal Frameworks for Infectious Disease Diffusion and Epidemiology
Authors: Congdon Peter
Published: December 2016

Emerging infectious diseases, and the resurgence of previously controlled infectious disease (e.g., malaria, tuberculosis), are a major focus for public health concern, as well as providing challenges for establishing aetiology and transmission. [...]
Evaluation of the Treatment Process of Landfill Leachate Using the Toxicity Assessment Method
Authors: Qiu Aifeng , Cai Qiang , Zhao Yuan , Guo Yingqing , Zhao Liqian
Published: December 2016

Landfill leachate is composed of a complex composition with strong biological toxicity. The combined treatment process of coagulation and sedimentation, anaerobics, electrolysis, and aerobics was set up to treat landfill leachate. This paper explores the effect of different operational parameters of coagulation and sedimentation tanks and electrolytic cells, while investigating the combined process for the removal efficiency of physicochemical indices after processing the landfill leachate. Meanwhile, a battery of toxicity tests with Vibrio fischeri, zebrafish larvae, and embryos were conducted to evaluate acute toxicity and calculated the toxicity reduction efficiency after each treatment process. The combined treatment process resulted in a 100% removal efficiency of Cu, Cd and Zn, and a 93.50% and an 87.44% removal efficiency of Ni and Cr, respectively. The overall removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), and total nitrogen (TN) were 93.57%, 97.46% and 73.60%, respectively. In addition, toxicity test results showed that the acute toxicity of landfill leachate had also been reduced significantly: toxicity units (TU) decreased from 84.75 to 12.00 for zebrafish larvae, from 82.64 to 10.55 for zebrafish embryos, and from 3.41 to 0.63 for Vibrio fischeri. The combined treatment process was proved to be an efficient treatment method to remove heavy metals, COD, NH4+-N, and acute bio-toxicity of landfill leachate.
Organic-Inorganic Hydrophobic Nanocomposite Film with a Core-Shell Structure
Authors: Liu Peng , Chen Ying , Yu Zhiwu
Published: December 2016

A method to prepare novel organic-inorganic hydrophobic nanocomposite films was proposed by a site-specific polymerization process. The inorganic part, the core of the nanocomposite, is a ternary SiO2–Al2O3–TiO2 nanoparticles, which is grafted with methacryloxy propyl trimethoxyl silane (KH570), and wrapped by fluoride and siloxane polymers. The synthesized samples are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrscopy, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), contact angle meter (CA), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results indicate that the novel organic-inorganic hydrophobic nanocomposite with a core-shell structure was synthesized successfully. XRD analysis reveals the nanocomposite film has an amorphous structure, and FTIR analysis indicates the nanoparticles react with a silane coupling agent (methacryloxy propyl trimethoxyl silane KH570). Interestingly, the morphology of the nanoparticle film is influenced by the composition of the core. Further, comparing with the film synthesized by silica nanoparticles, the film formed from SiO2–Al2O3–TiO2 nanoparticles has higher hydrophobic performance, i.e., the contact angle is greater than 101.7°. In addition, the TEM analysis reveals that the crystal structure of the particles can be changed at high temperatures.
A New Adaptive H-Infinity Filtering Algorithm for the GPS/INS Integrated Navigation
Authors: Jiang Chen , Zhang Shu-Bi , Zhang Qiu-Zhao
Published: December 2016

The Kalman filter is an optimal estimator with numerous applications in technology, especially in systems with Gaussian distributed noise. Moreover, the adaptive Kalman filtering algorithms, based on the Kalman filter, can control the influence of dynamic model errors. In contrast to the adaptive Kalman filtering algorithms, the H-infinity filter is able to address the interference of the stochastic model by minimization of the worst-case estimation error. In this paper, a novel adaptive H-infinity filtering algorithm, which integrates the adaptive Kalman filter and the H-infinity filter in order to perform a comprehensive filtering algorithm, is presented. In the proposed algorithm, a robust estimation method is employed to control the influence of outliers. In order to verify the proposed algorithm, experiments with real data of the Global Positioning System (GPS) and Inertial Navigation System (INS) integrated navigation, were conducted. The experimental results have shown that the proposed algorithm has multiple advantages compared to the other filtering algorithms.
A Modified Magnetic Gradient Contraction Based Method for Ferromagnetic Target Localization
Authors: Wang Chen , Zhang Xiaojuan , Qu Xiaodong , Pan Xiao , Fang Guangyou , Chen Luzhao
Published: December 2016

The Scalar Triangulation and Ranging (STAR) method, which is based upon the unique properties of magnetic gradient contraction, is a high real-time ferromagnetic target localization method. Only one measurement point is required in the STAR method and it is not sensitive to changes in sensing platform orientation. However, the localization accuracy of the method is limited by the asphericity errors and the inaccurate value of position leads to larger errors in the estimation of magnetic moment. To improve the localization accuracy, a modified STAR method is proposed. In the proposed method, the asphericity errors of the traditional STAR method are compensated with an iterative algorithm. The proposed method has a fast convergence rate which meets the requirement of high real-time localization. Simulations and field experiments have been done to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The results indicate that target parameters estimated by the modified STAR method are more accurate than the traditional STAR method.
Development and Application of a Synthetically-Derived Lead Biosensor Construct for Use in Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Bereza-Malcolm Lara , Aracic Sanja , Franks Ashley
Published: December 2016

The use of lead in manufacturing has decreased significantly over the last few decades. However, previous widespread use of lead-containing products and their incorrect disposal has resulted in environmental contamination. Accumulation of harmful quantities of lead pose a threat to all living organisms, through inhalation, ingestion, or direct contact, resulting in lead poisoning. This study utilized synthetic biology principles to develop plasmid-based whole-cell bacterial biosensors for detection of lead. The genetic element of the lead biosensor construct consists of pbrR, which encodes the regulatory protein, together with its divergent promoter region and a promoterless gfp. GFP expression is controlled by PbrR in response to the presence of lead. The lead biosensor genetic element was cloned onto a low-copy number broad host range plasmid, which can stably exist in a range of laboratory and environmental isolates, including Pseudomonas, Shewanella, and Enterobacter. The biosensors constructed were found to be sensitive, rapid, and specific and could, as such, serve as monitoring tools for lead-contaminated water.
A Cooperative Traffic Control of Vehicle–Intersection (CTCVI) for the Reduction of Traffic Delays and Fuel Consumption
Authors: Li Jinjian , Dridi Mahjoub , El-Moudni Abdellah
Published: December 2016

The problem of reducing traffic delays and decreasing fuel consumption simultaneously in a network of intersections without traffic lights is solved by a cooperative traffic control algorithm, where the cooperation is executed based on the connection of Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I). This resolution of the problem contains two main steps. The first step concerns the itinerary of which intersections are chosen by vehicles to arrive at their destination from their starting point. Based on the principle of minimal travel distance, each vehicle chooses its itinerary dynamically based on the traffic loads in the adjacent intersections. The second step is related to the following proposed cooperative procedures to allow vehicles to pass through each intersection rapidly and economically: on one hand, according to the real-time information sent by vehicles via V2I in the edge of the communication zone, each intersection applies Dynamic Programming (DP) to cooperatively optimize the vehicle passing sequence with minimal traffic delays so that the vehicles may rapidly pass the intersection under the relevant safety constraints; on the other hand, after receiving this sequence, each vehicle finds the optimal speed profiles with the minimal fuel consumption by an exhaustive search. The simulation results reveal that the proposed algorithm can significantly reduce both travel delays and fuel consumption compared with other papers under different traffic volumes.
Omni-Directional Scanning Localization Method of a Mobile Robot Based on Ultrasonic Sensors
Authors: Mu Wei-Yi , Zhang Guang-Peng , Huang Yu-Mei , Yang Xin-Gang , Liu Hong-Yan , Yan Wen
Published: December 2016

Improved ranging accuracy is obtained by the development of a novel ultrasonic sensor ranging algorithm, unlike the conventional ranging algorithm, which considers the divergence angle and the incidence angle of the ultrasonic sensor synchronously. An ultrasonic sensor scanning method is developed based on this algorithm for the recognition of an inclined plate and to obtain the localization of the ultrasonic sensor relative to the inclined plate reference frame. The ultrasonic sensor scanning method is then leveraged for the omni-directional localization of a mobile robot, where the ultrasonic sensors are installed on a mobile robot and follow the spin of the robot, the inclined plate is recognized and the position and posture of the robot are acquired with respect to the coordinate system of the inclined plate, realizing the localization of the robot. Finally, the localization method is implemented into an omni-directional scanning localization experiment with the independently researched and developed mobile robot. Localization accuracies of up to ±3.33 mm for the front, up to ±6.21 for the lateral and up to ±0.20° for the posture are obtained, verifying the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed localization method.
Sci-Fin: Visual Mining Spatial and Temporal Behavior Features from Social Media
Authors: Pu Jiansu , Teng Zhiyao , Gong Rui , Wen Changjiang , Xu Yang
Published: December 2016

Check-in records are usually available in social services, which offer us the opportunity to capture and analyze users’ spatial and temporal behaviors. Mining such behavior features is essential to social analysis and business intelligence. However, the complexity and incompleteness of check-in records bring challenges to achieve such a task. Different from the previous work on social behavior analysis, in this paper, we present a visual analytics system, Social Check-in Fingerprinting (Sci-Fin), to facilitate the analysis and visualization of social check-in data. We focus on three major components of user check-in data: location, activity, and profile. Visual fingerprints for location, activity, and profile are designed to intuitively represent the high-dimensional attributes. To visually mine and demonstrate the behavior features, we integrate WorldMapper and Voronoi Treemap into our glyph-like designs. Such visual fingerprint designs offer us the opportunity to summarize the interesting features and patterns from different check-in locations, activities and users (groups). We demonstrate the effectiveness and usability of our system by conducting extensive case studies on real check-in data collected from a popular microblogging service. Interesting findings are reported and discussed at last.
Finite Element Analysis of Single Cell Stiffness Measurements Using PZT-Integrated Buckling Nanoneedles
Authors: Rad Maryam , Tijjani Auwal , Ahmad Mohd , Auwal Shehu
Published: December 2016

This paper proposes a new technique for real-time single cell stiffness measurement using lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-integrated buckling nanoneedles. The PZT and the buckling part of the nanoneedle have been modelled and validated using the ABAQUS software. The two parts are integrated together to function as a single unit. After calibration, the stiffness, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio and sensitivity of the PZT-integrated buckling nanoneedle have been determined to be 0.7100 N·m−1, 123.4700 GPa, 0.3000 and 0.0693 V·m·N−1, respectively. Three Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells have been modelled and validated based on compression tests. The average global stiffness and Young’s modulus of the cells are determined to be 10.8867 ± 0.0094 N·m−1 and 110.7033 ± 0.0081 MPa, respectively. The nanoneedle and the cell have been assembled to measure the local stiffness of the single Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells The local stiffness, Young’s modulus and PZT output voltage of the three different size Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been determined at different environmental conditions. We investigated that, at low temperature the stiffness value is low to adapt to the change in the environmental condition. As a result, Saccharomyces cerevisiae becomes vulnerable to viral and bacterial attacks. Therefore, the proposed technique will serve as a quick and accurate process to diagnose diseases at early stage in a cell for effective treatment.
Simultaneous Moisture Content and Mass Flow Measurements in Wood Chip Flows Using Coupled Dielectric and Impact Sensors
Authors: Pan Pengmin , McDonald Timothy , Fulton John , Via Brian , Hung John
Published: December 2016

An 8-electrode capacitance tomography (ECT) sensor was built and used to measure moisture content (MC) and mass flow of pine chip flows. The device was capable of directly measuring total water quantity in a sample but was sensitive to both dry matter and moisture, and therefore required a second measurement of mass flow to calculate MC. Two means of calculating the mass flow were used: the first being an impact sensor to measure total mass flow, and the second a volumetric approach based on measuring total area occupied by wood in images generated using the capacitance sensor’s tomographic mode. Tests were made on 109 groups of wood chips ranging in moisture content from 14% to 120% (dry basis) and wet weight of 280 to 1100 g. Sixty groups were randomly selected as a calibration set, and the remaining were used for validation of the sensor’s performance. For the combined capacitance/force transducer system, root mean square errors of prediction (RMSEP) for wet mass flow and moisture content were 13.42% and 16.61%, respectively. RMSEP using the combined volumetric mass flow/capacitance sensor for dry mass flow and moisture content were 22.89% and 24.16%, respectively. Either of the approaches was concluded to be feasible for prediction of moisture content in pine chip flows, but combining the impact and capacitance sensors was easier to implement. In situations where flows could not be impeded, however, the tomographic approach would likely be more useful.
A Novel Controller Design for the Next Generation Space Electrostatic Accelerometer Based on Disturbance Observation and Rejection
Authors: Li Hongyin , Bai Yanzheng , Hu Ming , Luo Yingxin , Zhou Zebing
Published: December 2016

The state-of-the-art accelerometer technology has been widely applied in space missions. The performance of the next generation accelerometer in future geodesic satellites is pushed to 8 × 10 − 13 m / s 2 / H z 1 / 2 , which is close to the hardware fundamental limit. According to the instrument noise budget, the geodesic test mass must be kept in the center of the accelerometer within the bounds of 56 pm / Hz 1 / 2 by the feedback controller. The unprecedented control requirements and necessity for the integration of calibration functions calls for a new type of control scheme with more flexibility and robustness. A novel digital controller design for the next generation electrostatic accelerometers based on disturbance observation and rejection with the well-studied Embedded Model Control (EMC) methodology is presented. The parameters are optimized automatically using a non-smooth optimization toolbox and setting a weighted H-infinity norm as the target. The precise frequency performance requirement of the accelerometer is well met during the batch auto-tuning, and a series of controllers for multiple working modes is generated. Simulation results show that the novel controller could obtain not only better disturbance rejection performance than the traditional Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controllers, but also new instrument functions, including: easier tuning procedure, separation of measurement and control bandwidth and smooth control parameter switching.
Optical Gas Sensing of Ammonia and Amines Based on Protonated Porphyrin/TiO2 Composite Thin Films
Authors: Castillero Pedro , Roales Javier , Lopes-Costa Tânia , Sánchez-Valencia Juan , Barranco Angel , González-Elipe Agustín , Pedrosa José
Published: December 2016

Open porous and transparent microcolumnar structures of TiO2 prepared by physical vapour deposition in glancing angle configuration (GLAD-PVD) have been used as host matrices for two different fluorescent cationic porphyrins, 5-(N-methyl 4-pyridyl)-10,15,20-triphenyl porphine chloride (MMPyP) and meso-tetra (N-methyl 4-pyridyl) porphine tetrachloride (TMPyP). The porphyrins have been anchored by electrostatic interactions to the microcolumns by self-assembly through the dip-coating method. These porphyrin/TiO2 composites have been used as gas sensors for ammonia and amines through previous protonation of the porphyrin with HCl followed by subsequent exposure to the basic analyte. UV–vis absorption, emission, and time-resolved spectroscopies have been used to confirm the protonation–deprotonation of the two porphyrins and to follow their spectral changes in the presence of the analytes. The monocationic porphyrin has been found to be more sensible (up to 10 times) than its tetracationic counterpart. This result has been attributed to the different anchoring arrangements of the two porphyrins to the TiO2 surface and their different states of aggregation within the film. Finally, there was an observed decrease of the emission fluorescence intensity in consecutive cycles of exposure and recovery due to the formation of ammonium chloride inside the film.
Analysis of Aluminum Resource Supply Structure and Guarantee Degree in China Based on Sustainable Perspective
Authors: Liu Shaoli , Li Xin , Wang Minxi
Published: December 2016

Aluminum is a strategic mineral resource, and China’s aluminum production and consumption is fairly large. However, its supply guarantee is uncertain because of a high dependency on external raw materials. This uncertainty may expand, so finding a way to reduce the uncertainty of aluminum resource supply is especially important. This paper applies the SFA method to analyze the aluminum flows in mainland China from 1996 to 2014, and establishes a supply structure model to measure its supply guarantee degree. The results claim that: (1) China’s aluminum production can satisfy demand and even create a surplus; (2) Domestic self-productive primary and secondary aluminum increased at an annual rate of 12% and 24%; (3) The proportion of self-productive secondary aluminum in the supply structure increased from 7.7% in 1996 to 12.8% in 2014, while that of primary aluminum decreased from 79.6% to 42.8%; (4) The total supply guarantee degree decreased from 87.3% to 55.6% in this period. These results provide a feasible way to solve this plight: the proportion of secondary aluminum in the supply structure should be enhanced, and an efficient aluminum resource recycling system needs to be established as soon as possible to ensure its sustainable supply.
Peri-Urban Food Production and Its Relation to Urban Resilience
Authors: Olsson E. , Kerselaers Eva , Søderkvist Kristensen Lone , Primdahl Jørgen , Rogge Elke , Wästfelt Anders
Published: December 2016

Food production on the urban–rural fringe is under pressure due to competing land uses. We discuss the potential to improve resilience for urban–rural regions by enhancing food production as part of multifunctional land use. Through studies of peri-urban land in the regions of Gothenburg (Sweden), Copenhagen (Denmark) and Gent (Belgium), recent developments are analysed. Arable farming has been declining since 2000 in all three areas due to urban expansion and recreational land use changes. In city plans, networks of protected areas and green spaces and their importance for human wellbeing have been acknowledged. Policies for farmland preservation in peri-urban settings exist, but strategies for local food production are not expressed in present planning documents. Among the diversity of peri-urban agricultural activities, peri-urban food production is a developing issue. However, the competing forms of land use and the continuing high dependence of urban food on global food systems and related resource flows reduces peri-urban food production and improvements in urban food security. The positive effects of local food production need to be supported by governance aiming to improve the urban–rural relationship. The paper discusses the resilience potential of connecting urban–rural regions and re-coupling agriculture to regional food production.
Novel and Conventional Technologies for Landfill Leachates Treatment: A Review
Authors: Torretta Vincenzo , Ferronato Navarro , Katsoyiannis Ioannis , Tolkou Athanasia , Airoldi Michela
Published: December 2016

Municipal solid waste final disposal represents an environmental burden worldwide since landfilling, or open dumping, is still the preferred solution for the end of life of solid discarded materials. This study aims to review the technological innovations applied for landfill leachate treatment, taking into consideration the experiences obtained during the past years and the solutions which have been implemented. The review showed that both biological and physiochemical treatments are not able to achieve the requested water quality level, according to the limits established by regulations, whether applied in a single treatment or multiple treatments. In order to respect sustainable release limits to guarantee environmental protection, the construction of depuration systems and combining biological and physiochemical treatment methods is considered of the utmost importance. The review looks at possible joint applications of different treatment techniques reviewed by other studies and considers the state of the art of current research. Combined technical solutions suggested within the 2016 peer-reviewed papers are presented and discussed as a sustainable way to effectively treat landfill leachate, giving particular attention to feasible solutions for developing countries.