bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Fabrication of Barium Carbonate Nanoparticles in the Lumen of Halloysite Nanotubes
Authors: Ouyang Jing , Mu Dawei , Zhang Yi , Yang Huaming , Suib Steven L.
Published: July 2018

Barium carbonate (BaCO3) materials with the controllable morphology of nanoparticles were selectively loaded into the lumen halloysite nanotubes (abbreviated as Hal) by a urease assisted catalytic implementation strategy. The Hal mineral was pre-treated through leaching by hydrochloric acid (abbreviated as A-Hal), resulting in increased defect sites and zeta potential. The negatively charged urease was loaded inside the positively charged A-Hal lumen, and then through the decomposition of urea catalyzed by urease to produce carbonate ions and ammonia. When Ba2+ diffused in, BaCO3 particles were selectively synthesized in the lumen of A-Hal, the pore channels of A-Hal effectively controlled the growth and aggregation of BaCO3 nanocrystals and their geometrical morphology. The obtained BaCO3/A-Hal-T was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry-thermogravimetry (DSC-TG). The BaCO3/A-Hal-T may provide a candidate for potential applications.
Development of Thiophene Compounds as Potent Chemotherapies for the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania major
Authors: Rodriguez Felipe , Iniguez Eva , Pena Contreras Guadalupe , Ahmed Haidar , Costa Thadeu E. M. M. , Skouta Rachid , Maldonado Rosa A.
Published: July 2018

Leishmania major (L. major) is a protozoan parasite that causes cutaneous leishmaniasis. About 12 million people are currently infected with an annual incidence of 1.3 million cases. The purpose of this study was to synthesize a small library of novel thiophene derivatives, and evaluate its parasitic activity, and potential mechanism of action (MOA). We developed a structure–activity relationship (SAR) study of the thiophene molecule 5A. Overall, eight thiophene derivatives of 5A were synthesized and purified by silica gel column chromatography. Of these eight analogs, the molecule 5D showed the highest in vitro activity against Leishmania major promastigotes (EC50 0.09 ± 0.02 µM), with an inhibition of the proliferation of intracellular amastigotes higher than 75% at only 0.63 µM and an excellent selective index. Moreover, the effect of 5D on L. major promastigotes was associated with generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and in silico docking studies suggested that 5D may play a role in inhibiting trypanothione reductase. In summary, the combined SAR study and the in vitro evaluation of 5A derivatives allowed the identification of the novel molecule 5D, which exhibited potent in vitro anti-leishmanial activity resulting in ROS production leading to cell death with no significant cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells.
Effects of Blue-Light-Induced Free Radical Formation from Catechin Hydrate on the Inactivation of Acinetobacter baumannii, Including a Carbapenem-Resistant Strain
Authors: Yang Meei-Ju , Hung Yi-An , Wong Tak-Wah , Lee Nan-Yao , Yuann Jeu-Ming P. , Huang Shiuh-Tsuen , Wu Chun-Yi , Chen Iou-Zen , Liang Ji-Yuan
Published: July 2018

Catechin is a flavan-3-ol, a derivative of flavans, with four phenolic hydroxyl groups, which exhibits a wide range of physiological properties. Chromatographic analyses were employed to examine the effects of blue light irradiation on the changes of catechin hydrate in an alkaline condition. In particular, the detection of a superoxide anion radical (O2•−), a reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the inactivation of Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii)—including a carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB)—was investigated during the photoreaction of catechin hydrate. Following basification with blue light irradiation, the transparent solution of catechin hydrate turned yellowish, and a chromogenic catechin dimer was separated and identified as a proanthocyanidin. Adding ascorbic acid during the photolytic treatment of catechin hydrate decreased the dimer formation, suggesting that ascorbic acid can suppress the photosensitive oxidation of catechin. When catechin hydrate was irradiated by blue light in an alkaline solution, O2•− was produced via photosensitized oxidation, enhancing the inactivation of A. baumannii and CRAB. The present findings on the photon-induced oxidation of catechin hydrate provides a safe practice for the inactivation of environmental microorganisms.
Secoiridoids from the Seed of Gonocaryum calleryanum and Their Inhibitory Potential on LPS-Induced Tumor Necrosis Factor and Nitric Oxide Production
Authors: Cheng Kun-Ching , Chang Chi-I , Lin Yu-Chi , Liu Chih-I , Zeng Yu-Ci , Lin Yun-Sheng
Published: July 2018

Three new secoiridoid constituents, goncarin A−C (1–3), and a new derivative, goncarin A monoacetate (4), along with two known lignins, pinoresinol (5) and paulownin (6), were isolated from the seed of Gonocaryum calleryanum (Baill.) Becc. The structures of the new metabolites were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, particularly mass spectroscopy and 2D NMR (1H–1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY) spectroscopy. The aim of this study was to identify the anti-inflammatory effects of compounds 1–6 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage cell lines (RAW 264.7). Following stimulation with LPS, elevated levels of nitric oxide (NO) production were detected in RAW 264.7 cells; however, pretreatment with compounds 1–6 significantly inhibited the production of NO (around 40–80%, p < 0.01–0.05), by suppressing the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS). In addition, LPS-stimulated tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production was significantly reduced by compounds 1–3 (25–40%, p < 0.01–0.05). These results suggested that compounds 1–3 may exert anti-inflammatory activity, and that compounds 1–3 may be considered a potential therapeutic for the treatment of inflammatory diseases associated with macrophage activation.
Role of Fatty Acids in Milk Fat and the Influence of Selected Factors on Their Variability—A Review
Authors: Hanuš Oto , Samková Eva , Křížová Ludmila , Hasoňová Lucie , Kala Robert
Published: July 2018

Fatty acids (FAs) of milk fat are considered to be important nutritional components of the diets of a significant portion of the human population and substantially affect human health. With regard to dairy farming, the FA profile is also seen as an important factor in the technological quality of raw milk. In this sense, making targeted modifications to the FA profile has the potential to significantly contribute to the production of dairy products with higher added value. Thus, FAs also have economic importance. Current developments in analytical methods and their increasing efficiency enable the study of FA profiles not only for scientific purposes but also in terms of practical technological applications. It is important to study the sources of variability of FAs in milk, which include population genetics, type of farming, and targeted animal nutrition. It is equally important to study the health and technological impacts of FAs. This review summarizes current knowledge in the field regarding sources of FA variability, including the impact of factors such as: animal nutrition, seasonal feed changes, type of animal farming (conventional and organic), genetic parameters (influence of breed), animal individuality, lactation, and milk yield. Potential practical applications (to improve food technology and consumer health) of FA profile information are also reviewed.
Genistein Improves Skin Flap Viability in Rats: A Preliminary In Vivo and In Vitro Investigation
Authors: Fáber Lenka , Kováč Ivan , Mitrengová Petra , Novotný Martin , Varinská Lenka , Vasilenko Tomáš , Kello Martin , Čoma Matúš , Kuruc Tomáš , Petrová Klaudia , Miláčková Ivana , Kuczmannová Anika , Peržeľová Vlasta , Mižáková Štefánia , Dosedla Erik , Sabol František , Luczy Ján , Nagy Milan , Majerník Jaroslav , Koščo Martin , Mučaji Pavel , Gál Peter
Published: July 2018

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) have been developed to achieve beneficial effects of estrogens while minimizing their side effects. In this context, we decided to evaluate the protective effect of genistein, a natural SERM, on skin flap viability in rats and in a series of in vitro experiments on endothelial cells (migration, proliferation, antioxidant properties, and gene expression profiling following genistein treatment). Our results showed that administration of genistein increased skin flap viability, but importantly, the difference is only significant when treatment is started 3 days prior the flap surgery. Based on our in vitro experiments, it may be hypothesized that the underlying mechanism may rather by mediated by increasing SOD activity and Bcl-2 expression. The gene expression profiling further revealed 9 up-regulated genes (angiogenesis/inflammation promoting: CTGF, CXCL5, IL-6, ITGB3, MMP-14, and VEGF-A; angiogenesis inhibiting: COL18A1, TIMP-2, and TIMP-3). In conclusion, we observed a protective effect of genistein on skin flap viability which could be potentially applied in plastic surgery to women undergoing a reconstructive and/or plastic intervention. Nevertheless, further research is needed to explain the exact underlying mechanism and to find the optimal treatment protocol.
Contribution of Red Wine Consumption to Human Health Protection
Authors: Snopek Lukas , Mlcek Jiri , Sochorova Lenka , Baron Mojmir , Hlavacova Irena , Jurikova Tunde , Kizek Rene , Sedlackova Eva , Sochor Jiri
Published: July 2018

Wine consumption has been popular worldwide for many centuries. Based on in vitro and in vivo studies, a certain amount of everyday wine consumption may prevent various chronic diseases. This is due, in part, to the presence and amount of important antioxidants in red wine, and, therefore, research has focused on them. Wine polyphenols, especially resveratrol, anthocyanins, and catechins, are the most effective wine antioxidants. Resveratrol is active in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases by neutralizing free oxygen radicals and reactive nitrogenous radicals; it penetrates the blood-brain barrier and, thus, protects the brain and nerve cells. It also reduces platelet aggregation and so counteracts the formation of blood clots or thrombi. The main aim of this review is to summarize the current findings about the positive influence of wine consumption on human organ function, chronic diseases, and the reduction of damage to the cardiovascular system.
Ultra-Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS)-Based Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution Study of Koumine and the Detoxification Mechanism of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch on Gelsemium elegans Benth.
Authors: Wang Lin , Sun Qi , Zhao Nan , Wen Yan-Qing , Song Yang , Meng Fan-Hao
Published: July 2018

Gelsemium elegans Benth. (G. elegans), which is a famous Chinese folk medicine, has been commonly used to treat certain types of skin ulcers and alleviate inflammation, headaches, and cancer pain. However, the extensive clinical use of G. elegans has been greatly hampered by its toxicity. As one of the most widely used herbal medicines, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, has a unique effect on detoxification of G. elegans. In the present study, a rapid and sensitive method using ultra-liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was established and validated for determination of koumine, the most abundant molecule among the alkaloids of G. elegans, in rat plasma, tissue, and liver microsome. The developed method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and in vitro metabolism study in rat with or without pre-treated Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch extract. Meanwhile, the expression level of CYP3A1 mRNA was analyzed to explain the detoxification mechanism of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch on G. elegans. As a result, our work demonstrated that Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch could significantly affect the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of koumine in rats. The detoxification mechanism of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch on G. elegans may be its cytochrome enzyme up-regulation effect.
The Role of Cu Length on the Magnetic Behaviour of Fe/Cu Multi-Segmented Nanowires
Authors: Moraes Suellen , Navas David , Béron Fanny , Proenca Mariana P. , Pirota Kleber R. , Sousa Célia T. , Araújo João P.
Published: July 2018

A set of multi-segmented Fe/Cu nanowires were synthesized by a two-step anodization process of aluminum substrates and a pulsed electrodeposition technique using a single bath. While both Fe segment length and diameter were kept constant to (30 ± 7) and (45 ± 5) nm, respectively, Cu length was varied between (15 ± 5) and (120 ± 10) nm. The influence of the non-magnetic layer thickness variation on the nanowire magnetic properties was investigated through first-order reversal curve (FORC) measurements and micromagnetic simulations. Our analysis confirmed that, in the multi-segmented Fe/Cu nanowires with shorter Cu segments, the dipolar coupling between Fe segments controls the nanowire magnetic behavior, and its performance is like that of a homogenous Fe nanowire array of similar dimensions. On the other hand, multi-segmented Fe/Cu nanowires with larger Cu segments act like a collection of non-interacting magnetic entities (along the nanowire axis), and their global behavior is mainly controlled by the neighbor-to-neighbor nanodisc dipolar interactions.
Kahweol Ameliorates the Liver Inflammation through the Inhibition of NF-κB and STAT3 Activation in Primary Kupffer Cells and Primary Hepatocytes
Authors: Seo Hye-Young , Kim Mi-Kyung , Lee So-Hee , Hwang Jae Seok , Park Keun-Gyu , Jang Byoung Kuk
Published: July 2018

Gut derived bacterial endotoxins, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), are involved in one of the important mechanisms that lead to inflammation associated with various liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic liver disease. Kahweol is a coffee-specific diterpene present in coffee bean and exhibits anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory activities. However, to date, the effect of kahweol on liver inflammation remains unknown. In this study, we examined whether kahweol exhibits a protective effect by inhibiting liver inflammation in primary Kupffer cells and primary hepatocytes cultures as well as their co-cultures. Kahweol decreased the LPS-induced production of interleukin 1 alpha, interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. The inhibitory effect of kahweol on the liver inflammation was associated with the down regulation of LPS-stimulated phospho-nuclear factor kappa B and -signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 expression. These results suggest that kahweol might be a novel potent agent to treat liver inflammation induced by LPS.
Overview of Antibody Drug Delivery
Authors: Awwad Sahar , Angkawinitwong Ukrit
Published: July 2018

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are one of the most important classes of therapeutic proteins, which are used to treat a wide number of diseases (e.g., oncology, inflammation and autoimmune diseases). Monoclonal antibody technologies are continuing to evolve to develop medicines with increasingly improved safety profiles, with the identification of new drug targets being one key barrier for new antibody development. There are many opportunities for developing antibody formulations for better patient compliance, cost savings and lifecycle management, e.g., subcutaneous formulations. However, mAb-based medicines also have limitations that impact their clinical use; the most prominent challenges are their short pharmacokinetic properties and stability issues during manufacturing, transport and storage that can lead to aggregation and protein denaturation. The development of long acting protein formulations must maintain protein stability and be able to deliver a large enough dose over a prolonged period. Many strategies are being pursued to improve the formulation and dosage forms of antibodies to improve efficacy and to increase the range of applications for the clinical use of mAbs.
Exploring Microtubule-Dependent Cellulose-Synthase-Complex Movement with High Precision Particle Tracking
Authors: Woodley Marcus , Mulvihill Adam , Fujita Miki , Wasteneys Geoffrey O.
Published: July 2018

Cellulose synthesis at the plasma membrane is a critical process in plant growth and development. The displacement of cellulose synthase complexes (CSCs) by the rigid cellulose polymers they produce is a measure of enzyme activity. Connections between cortical microtubules and CSCs have been identified but it remains unclear how these affect CSC displacement speed. In this study, we applied a high throughput automated particle tracking method using near-total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to measure the speed of CSCs. We found CSC speeds did not vary according to their proximity to microtubules, and that inhibiting microtubule polymerization could have opposite effects on CSC speed, depending on the nature of inhibition. While CSC speed increased in the temperature-sensitive mor1-1 mutant, it decreased after treatment with the drug oryzalin. Moreover, introducing the mor1-1 mutation into the CesA1 mutant any1 increased CSC speed, suggesting that microtubule dynamics affect CSC speed by a mechanism other than Cellulose Synthase A (CesA) catalytic activity. CSC speed varied widely in a range of mutants with reduced growth anisotropy, indicating that the relationship between CSC speed and anisotropy is complex. We conclude that microtubules affect CSC speed by finely tuned mechanisms that are independent of their physical association with CSCs.
Laboratory Investigation of Shear Behavior of High-Density Polyethylene Geomembrane Interfaces
Authors: Cen Wei-Jun , Wang Hui , Sun Ying-Jie
Published: July 2018

As a product of polymeric materials, geomembranes (GMs) are widely used in engineered systems as impervious barriers due to their low permeability. In this study, a large-scale composite shear test apparatus was developed to investigate the shear behaviors of various GM interfaces. A series of direct shear tests were conducted on GM–soil, GM–geotextile, and GM–concrete interfaces. Two types of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) GMs, a smooth GM and a textured GM, were used to evaluate the effect of GM-texturing on the shear properties of these interfaces. Based on the experimental data, the friction angles and adhesions of GM interfaces were calculated using the Mohr–Coulomb criterion. Test results describing the behavior of GM–soil and GM–geotextile interfaces from the current study were then compared with results from previous studies. The test results are shown to verify the reliability of the new large-scale composite shear apparatus. In addition, this paper presents preliminary experimental results of the GM–concrete interface shear tests.
Structural Characterization of Lignin and Lignin-Carbohydrate Complex (LCC) from Ginkgo Shells (Ginkgo biloba L.) by Comprehensive NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Jiang Bo , Zhang Yu , Guo Tianyu , Zhao Huifang , Jin Yongcan
Published: July 2018

Lignin and lignin-carbohydrate complexes are important polymers for lignocellulosic biorefinery and functional materials, but those in ginkgo shells are not effectively analyzed and exploited. Based on this background, milled wood lignins (MWLML and MWLFZ) and lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCML and LCCFZ) were isolated from the shells of Ginkgo biloba L. cv. Damaling (ML) and Ginkgo biloba L. cv. Dafozhi (FZ) correspondingly, and were structurally characterized by comprehensive NMR spectroscopy. The results showed that ginkgo shells exhibited higher lignin (42%) and xylan (20%) content than general softwood species. Isolated MWLs were rich in guaiacyl units with the presence of ferulates and p-coumarates, and the molecular formula was C9H7.93O2.73(OCH3)0.81 and C9H7.87O2.76(OCH3)0.88 for MWLML and MWLFZ, respectively. Phenolic hydroxyl of MWLML (1.38 mmol/g) and MWLFZ (1.23 mmol/g) in ginkgo shells was much less than that in general softwoods, suggesting a higher etherification and condensation degree of ginkgo shells lignin, and β-5′, α-O-4′, and 4-O-5′ bonds were the main condensed structures. O-acetylated β-d-xylopyranoside and β-d-mannopyranoside were the main polysaccharides associated with lignin, and the acetyl groups frequently acylate the C2 and C3 positions. LCCML had more phenyl glycoside (0.035/Ar) and less γ-ester (0.026/Ar) linkages than LCCFZ.
Omnidirectional Nonprehensile Manipulation Using Only One Actuator
Authors: Higashimori Mitsuru , Yamaguchi Kohei , Shibata Akihide
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a novel nonprehensile manipulation method that uses the vibration of a plate, where the two degrees of freedom of a part on the plate are controlled by only one actuator. First, a manipulator whose end effector is a flat plate is introduced. By employing an underactuated joint mechanism, the shape and orientation of the vibrational orbit of the plate vary according to frequency and offset angle of the sinusoidal displacement input to an actuator. Then, simulation analyses reveal that the manipulator can omnidirectionally induce translational velocity to the part on the plate. There exists an orthogonality between the effects of the frequency and offset angle on the velocity map of the part. Based on this characteristic, a visual feedback control for manipulating the part is designed. Finally, the proposed method is validated via experiments using a prototype manipulator. A target-trajectory tracking task and a four-way part-feeding task are demonstrated.
Review of Chirped Fiber Bragg Grating (CFBG) Fiber-Optic Sensors and Their Applications
Authors: Tosi Daniele
Published: July 2018

Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) are one of the most popular technology within fiber-optic sensors, and they allow the measurement of mechanical, thermal, and physical parameters. In recent years, a strong emphasis has been placed on the fabrication and application of chirped FBGs (CFBGs), which are characterized by a non-uniform modulation of the refractive index within the core of an optical fiber. A CFBG behaves as a cascade of FBGs, each one reflecting a narrow spectrum that depends on temperature and/or strain. The key characteristic of CFBGs is that their reflection spectrum depends on the strain/temperature observed in each section of the grating; thus, they enable a short-length distributed sensing, whereas it is possible to detect spatially resolved variations of temperature or strain with resolution on the order of a millimeter over the grating length. Based on this premise, CFBGs have found important applications in healthcare, mechanical engineering, and shock waves analysis, among others. This work reviews the present and emerging trends in CFBG sensors, focusing on all aspects of the sensing element and outlining the application case scenarios for which CFBG sensors have been demonstrated.
Multiple Fusion Based on the CCD and MEMS Accelerometer for the Low-Cost Multi-Loop Optoelectronic System Control
Authors: Luo Yong , Mao Yao , Ren Wei , Huang Yongmei , Deng Chao , Zhou Xi
Published: July 2018

In the charge-coupled device (CCD) and micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer based low-cost multi-loop optoelectronic control system (OCS), due to accelerometers’ drift and noise in low frequency, the disturbance suppression (DS) is insufficient. Previously, based on the acceleration and position dual-loop control (ADLC), researchers combined a disturbance observer (DOB) with a virtual velocity loop to make some medium-frequency DS exchange for low-frequency performance. However, it is not optimal because the classic DOB based on accelerometers’ inaccurate signals cannot observe accurate disturbance in low frequency and the velocity based on a CCD and accelerometer time-domain fusion carried the CCD’s delay, resulting in the drop of medium-frequency DS. In this paper, considering the CCD’s advantage in low frequency and the accelerometer’s strength in high frequency, we propose to fuse their signals twice with a modified complementary filter method to respectively acquire an acceleration and velocity. The new acceleration with no drift and less noise but lower bandwidth creates a new acceleration model and is only used in fusion DOB (FDOB), while the velocity with little delay is to build an additional velocity loop. Compared with the traditional DOB enhanced by the time-domain fusion velocity loop, experiments verify that the proposed multiple fusion would apparently enhance the system’s DS, especially in low and medium frequency.
High-Performance Limiting Current Oxygen Sensor Comprised of Highly Active La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5Mn0.5O3 Electrode
Authors: Zou Jie , Lin Qian , Cheng Chu , Zhang Xin , Jin Qinghui , Jin Han , Wang Jinxia , Jian Jiawen
Published: July 2018

Zirconia-based limiting current oxygen sensor gains considerable attention, due to its high-performance in improving the combustion efficiency of fossil fuels and reducing the emission of exhaust gases. Nevertheless, the Pt electrode is frequently used in the oxygen sensor, therefore, it restrains the broader application due to the high cost. Quite recently, La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5Mn0.5O3 (LSCM) has been reported to be highly active to catalyze oxygen reduction. Herein, with the intention of replacing the frequently used Pt, we studied the practicability of adapting the LSCM to zirconia-based limiting current oxygen sensor. Through comparing the electrocatalytic activity of LSCM and Pt, it is confirmed that LSCM gave analogous oxygen reactivity with that of the Pt. Then, limiting the current oxygen sensors comprised of LSCM or Pt are fabricated and their sensing behavior to oxygen in the range of 2–25% is evaluated. Conclusively, quick response/recovery rate (within 7s), linear relationship, and high selectivity (against 5% CO2 and H2O) in sensing oxygen are observed for the sensors, regardless of the sensing materials (LSCM or Pt) that are used in the sensor. Particularly, identical sensing characteristics are observed for the sensors consisting of LSCM or Pt, indicating the practicability of replacing the Pt electrode by adapting the LSCM electrode to future zirconia-based oxygen sensors.
An Analytical Temperature-Dependent Design Model for Contour-Mode MEMS Resonators and Oscillators Verified by Measurements
Authors: Stegner Johannes , Gropp Sebastian , Podoskin Dmitry , Stehr Uwe , Hoffmann Martin , Hein Matthias A.
Published: July 2018

The importance of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) for radio-frequency (RF) applications is rapidly growing. In RF mobile-communication systems, MEMS-based circuits enable a compact implementation, low power consumption and high RF performance, e.g., bulk-acoustic wave filters with low insertion loss and low noise or fast and reliable MEMS switches. However, the cross-hierarchical modelling of micro-electronic and micro-electromechanical constituents together in one multi-physical design process is still not as established as the design of integrated micro-electronic circuits, such as operational amplifiers. To close the gap between micro-electronics and micro-electromechanics, this paper presents an analytical approach towards the linear top-down design of MEMS resonators, based on their electrical specification, by the solution of the mechanical wave equation. In view of the central importance of thermal effects for the performance and stability of MEMS-based RF circuits, the temperature dependence was included in the model; the aim was to study the variations of the RF parameters of the resonators and to enable a temperature dependent MEMS oscillator simulation. The variations of the resonator parameters with respect to the ambient temperature were then verified by RF measurements in a vacuum chamber at temperatures between −35 ∘C and 85 ∘C. The systematic body of data revealed temperature coefficients of the resonant frequency between −26 ppm/K and −20 ppm/K, which are in good agreement with other data from the literature. Based on the MEMS resonator model derived, a MEMS oscillator was designed, simulated, and measured in a vacuum chamber yielding a measured temperature coefficient of the oscillation frequency of −26.3 ppm/K. The difference of the temperature coefficients of frequency of oscillator and resonator turned out to be mainly influenced by the limited Q-factor of the MEMS device. In both studies, the analytical model and the measurement showed very good agreement in terms of temperature dependence and the prediction of fabrication results of the resonators designed. This analytical modelling approach serves therefore as an important step towards the design and simulation of micro-electronics and micro-electromechanics in one uniform design process. Furthermore, temperature dependences of MEMS oscillators can now be studied by simulations instead of time-consuming and complex measurements.
IoT Hierarchical Topology Strategy and Intelligentize Evaluation System of Diesel Engine in Complexity Environment
Authors: Liu Jiangshan , Chen Ming , Yang Tangfeng , Wu Jie
Published: July 2018

In complex discrete manufacturing environment, there used to be a poor network and an isolated information island in production line, which led to slow information feedback and low utilization ratio, hindering the construction of enterprise intelligence. To solve these problems, uncertain factors in the production process and demands of sensor network were analyzed; hierarchical topology design method and the deployment strategy of the complexity industrial internet of things were proposed; and a big data analysis model and a system security protection system based on the network were established. The weight of each evaluation index was calculated using analytic hierarchy process, which established the intelligentized evaluation system and model. An actual production scene was also selected to validate the feasibility of the method. A diesel engine production workshop and the enterprise MES were used as an example to establish a network topology. The intelligence level based on both subjective and objective factors were evaluated and analyzed considering both quantitative and qualitative aspects. Analysis results show that the network topology design method and the intelligentize evaluation system were feasible, could improve the intelligence level effectively, and the network framework was expansible.
GNSS/INS Fusion with Virtual Lever-Arm Measurements
Authors: Borko Aviram , Klein Itzik , Even-Tzur Gilad
Published: July 2018

The navigation subsystem in most platforms is based on an inertial navigation system (INS). Regardless of the INS grade, its navigation solution drifts in time. To avoid such a drift, the INS is fused with external sensor measurements such as a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). Recent publications showed that the lever-arm, defined as the relative position between the INS and aiding sensor, has a strong influence on navigation accuracy. Most research in this field is focused on INS/GNSS fusion with GNSS position or velocity updates while considering various maneuvers types. In this paper, we propose to employ virtual lever-arm (VLA) measurements to improve the accuracy and time to convergence of the observable INS error-states. In particular, we show that VLA measurements improve performance even in stationary conditions. In situations when maneuvering helps to improve state observability, VLA measurements manage to gain additional improvement in accuracy. These results are supported by simulation and field experiments with a vehicle mounted with a GNSS and an INS.
Non-GNSS Smartphone Pedestrian Navigation Using Barometric Elevation and Digital Map-Matching
Authors: Broyles Daniel , Kauffman Kyle , Raquet John , Smagowski Piotr
Published: July 2018

Pedestrian navigation in outdoor environments where global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) are unavailable is a challenging problem. Existing technologies that have attempted to address this problemoften require external reference signals or specialized hardware, the extra size,weight, power, and cost of which are unsuitable for many applications. This article presents a real-time, self-contained outdoor navigation application that uses only the existing sensors on a smartphone in conjunction with a preloaded digital elevation map. The core algorithm implements a particle filter, which fuses sensor data with a stochastic pedestrian motion model to predict the user’s position. The smartphone’s barometric elevation is then compared with the elevation map to constrain the position estimate. The system developed for this research was deployed on Android smartphones and tested in several terrains using a variety of elevation data sources. The results fromthese experiments showthe systemachieves positioning accuracies in the tens of meters that do not grow as a function of time
Context-Aware Gossip-Based Protocol for Internet of Things Applications
Authors: Altoaimy Lina , Alromih Arwa , Al-Megren Shiroq , Al-Hudhud Ghada , Kurdi Heba , Youcef-Toumi Kamal
Published: July 2018

This paper proposes a gossip-based protocol that utilises a multi-factor weighting function (MFWF) that takes several parameters into account: residual energy, Chebyshev distances to neighbouring nodes and the sink node, node density, and message priority. The effects of these parameters were examined to guide the customization of the weight function to effectively disseminate data to three types of IoT applications: critical, bandwidth-intensive, and energy-efficient applications. The performances of the three resulting MFWFs were assessed in comparison with the performances of the traditional gossiping protocol and the Fair Efficient Location-based Gossiping (FELGossiping) protocol in terms of end-to-end delay, network lifetime, rebroadcast nodes, and saved rebroadcasts. The experimental results demonstrated the proposed protocol’s ability to achieve a much shorter delay for critical IoT applications. For bandwidth-intensive IoT application, the proposed protocol was able to achieve a smaller percentage of rebroadcast nodes and an increased percentage of saved rebroadcasts, i.e., better bandwidth utilisation. The adapted MFWF for energy-efficient IoT application was able to improve the network lifetime compared to that of gossiping and FELGossiping. These results demonstrate the high level of flexibility of the proposed protocol with respect to network context and message priority.
Mapping Oil Spills from Dual-Polarized SAR Images Using an Artificial Neural Network: Application to Oil Spill in the Kerch Strait in November 2007
Authors: Kim Daeseong , Jung Hyung-Sup
Published: July 2018

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) has been widely used to detect oil-spill areas through the backscattering intensity difference between oil and background pixels. However, since the signal is similar to that produced by other phenomena, positive identification can be challenging. In this study we developed an algorithm to effectively analyze large-scale oil spill areas in SAR images by focusing on optimizing the input layer to artificial neural network (ANN) through removal the factor of lowering the accuracy. An ANN algorithm was used to generate probability maps of oil spills. Highly accurate pixel-based data processing was conducted through false or un-detection element reduction by normalizing the image or applying a non-local (NL) means filter and median filter to the input neurons for ANN. In addition, the standard deviation of co-polarized phase difference (CPD) was used to reduce false detection from the look-alike with weak damping effect. The algorithm was validated using TerraSAR-X images of an oil spill caused by stranded oil tanker Volganefti-139 in the Kerch Strait in 2007. According to the validation results of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the oil spill was detected with an accuracy of about 95.19% and un-detection or false detection by look-alike and speckle noise was greatly reduced.
Does Micro-Credit Empower Women through Self-Help Groups? Evidence from Punjab, Northern India
Authors: Esmaeil Zaei Mansour , Kapil Prachi , Pelekh Olha , Teimoury Nasab Azadeh
Published: July 2018

The goal of this paper is to examine the question—‘Does income earned by members of women’s self-help groups (SHGs) through micro-credit programs empower them?’ The nature of the topic dictates the use of cross-sectional survey technique and comparative analysis to determine the levels of women empowerment before and after joining SHGs. A five-point Likert-type scale was developed, for which Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient was observed to be 0.824. The survey instrument contained four sections, namely, income and expenditure; savings and borrowing amounts; financial freedom; and, capacity building and awareness levels. A sample group consisting of 114 participants of SHGs responded to the survey instrument. The t-test results for mean values before and after joining SHGs showed a significant change in levels of women empowerment in all the four areas. The prime reason for this empowerment was joining SHGs and using micro-credit programmes. It becomes apparent from this research that joining SHGs, and consequently, getting access to financial services increased the ability of poor women to control their savings and generate income from their occupation. They also experienced a greater decision-making role in their families and in local society, enhanced levels of self-confidence, self-efficacy and self-esteem, and heightened freedom of mobility to increase business and social activities outside home.
Efficiency of Government-Sponsored R&D Projects: A Metafrontier DEA Approach
Authors: Park Jung Ho , Shin Kwangsoo
Published: July 2018

Government R&D investments are steadily increasing with the perception that R&D plays an important role in technological innovation and sustainable economic growth. In particular, because biotechnology is recognized as one of the next growth engines, the Korean government has recently increased their investment in biotechnology R&D. However, careful analysis of the efficiency of government-sponsored R&D projects is still lacking. In this paper, we measured the technical efficiency and technology gap ratio to investigate the efficiency of Korean government-sponsored R&D projects of 16 sub-biotechnologies from 2007 to 2013 using a metafrontier Data Envelopment Analysis approach. There was no improvement in overall efficiency between 2007 and 2013. Biochip development technology has been the most efficient sub-biotechnology field and the least efficient fields have been biotechnology product safety and efficacy assessment technology. Medical science and engineering is the closest to optimal production technology among sub-biotechnologies. The efficiency of universities and government-funded research institutes is high, while the efficiency of companies is relatively low. The results suggest that the government should improve the R&D planning process and establish a customized R&D investment strategy that considers the characteristics of technologies and the seven organization types of R&D conductors to increase R&D efficiency.
An Evaluation of Coupling Coordination between Tourism and Finance
Authors: Liao Kai-Cheng , Yue Ming-Yue , Sun Si-Wei , Xue Hong-Bo , Liu Wei , Tsai Sang-Bing , Wang Jiang-Tao
Published: July 2018

The tourism industry has become a new growth engine that closely coordinates with the financial industry and contributes to the sustainable development of local economies. This study establishes a comprehensive index system and evaluates the coupling coordination based on an integrated approach, and the dynamic relationship between tourism and finance through applying coupling coordination degree modeling, the Granger causality test, and an impulse response function based on the regional coordination theory and system theory. Using data from 2000 to 2016 of three tourism-based cities in China, the findings reveal heterogeneous results among the cities. Specifically, the following: (1) The coupling coordination degree between finance and tourism in Zhangjiajie increased with strong fluctuations. A one-way causality relationship existed between two subsystems, and finance continuously contributed to the growth of tourism with serious lags; (2) The coupling coordination degree between finance and tourism in Huang Shan presented a ladder-type and continuous rise. A two-way causality relationship existed between the two subsystems mentioned above, and finance influenced the growth of tourism with continuously positive or negative effects, while tourism continuously contributed to the development of finance. (3) The coupling coordination degree between finance and tourism in Sanya grew with a frequent, tiny, and fluctuating trend. A two-way causality relationship existed between the two subsystems mentioned above, and finance influenced the growth of tourism with continuously positive or negative effects, while tourism influenced the development of finance with temporary positive or negative effects.
Effects of Dietary Astaxanthin Supplementation on Energy Budget and Bioaccumulation in Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) Crayfish under Microcystin-LR Stress
Authors: An Zhenhua , Zhang Yingying , Sun Longshen
Published: July 2018

This research aimed to study the effects of astaxanthin on energy budget and bioaccumulation of microcystin-leucine-arginine (microcystin-LR) in the crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852). The crayfish (21.13 ± 4.6 g) were cultured under microcystin-LR stress (0.025 mg/L) and were fed with fodders containing astaxanthin (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 mg/g) for 8 weeks in glass tanks (350 mm × 450 mm × 150 mm). Accumulations of microcystin-LR were measured in different organs of P. clarkii. The results suggested that astaxanthin can significantly improve the survival rate and specific growth rate (SGR) of P. clarkii (p < 0.05). The dietary astaxanthin supplement seems to block the bioaccumulation of microcystin-LR in the hepatopancreas and ovaries of P. clarkii to some extent (p < 0.05). Astaxanthin content of 9–12 mg/g in fodder can be a practical and economic choice.
Synthesis of diamido-bridged bis-pillar[5]arenes and tris-pillar[5]arenes for construction of unique [1]rotaxanes and bis-[1]rotaxanes
Authors: Han Ying , Xu Li-Ming , Nie Cui-Yun , Jiang Shuo , Sun Jing , Yan Chao-Guo
Published: July 2018

The pillar[5]arene mono- and di(oxyalkoxy)benzoic acids were successfully prepared in high yields by sequential alkylation of ω-bromoalkoxy-substituted pillar[5]arenes with methyl or ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate followed by a hydrolytic reaction under basic conditions. Under catalysis of HOBt/EDCl, the amidation reaction of pillar[5]arene mono(oxybutoxy)benzoic acid with monoamido-functionalized pillar[5]arenes afforded diamido-bridged bis-pillar[5]arenes. 1H NMR and 2D NOESY spectra clearly indicated that [1]rotaxanes were formed by insertion of longer diaminoalkylene unit into the cavity of one pillar[5]arene with another pillar[5]arene acting as a stopper. The similar catalysed amidation reaction of pillar[5]arene di(oxybutoxy)benzoic acid with monoamido-functionalized pillar[5]arenes resulted in the diamido-bridged tris-pillar[5]arenes, which successfully form the unique bis-[1]rotaxanes bearing longer than diaminopropylene diamido bridges.
CO-SOLVENT TRANSESTERIFICATION OF BITTER ALMOND OIL INTO BIODIESEL: OPTIMIZATION OF VARIABLES AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BIODIESEL
Authors: Fadhil Abdelrahman B. , Mohammed Harith M.
Published: July 2018

The influence of co-solvent on transesterification of one of non-edible feedstocks, Bitter Almond Oil (BAO) with methanol was investigated. Hexane and potassium hydroxide (KOH) were chosen as the co-solvent and the catalyst, respectively. The variables included in the optimization process were concentration of KOH, methanol to oil molar ratio, hexane to methanol volume ratio, temperature, time, type of co-solvent and type of alkali catalyst. BioDiesel (BD) with yield of 97.88…98.50 ester content % w/w were obtained using 0.60% KOH w/w, 5:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 1:1 hexane to methanol volume ratio, 32 °C reaction temperature and 45 minutes of reaction. The Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) were used to ensure the conversion of BAO into BD. The fuel properties of the prepared BD were determined and found within the acceptable limits prescribed by ASTM D6751-15ce1 and EN 14214:2017. Moreover, properties of (biodiesel + petro-diesel) blends complied with the limits prescribed in the ASTM D7467-17 standards as well. It was concluded that the presence of co-solvent reduced the concentration of the catalyst, temperature, methanol to oil molar ratio and time required to produce maximum yield of BD comparing to non-solvent process. As a result, co-solvent transesterification is recommended for further application.
Pré-requisitos necessários para um sistema de informação contábil realizar a gestão do capital intelectual
Authors: Piontkewicz Regiane , Freitas Maria Do Carmo Duarte
Published: July 2018

Estudo do Sistema de Informação Contábil (SIC) como um dos principais sistemas das organizações e da crescente necessidade de gerenciar elementos intangíveis, que compõem o Capital Intelectual nas empresas. Objetiva identificar os pré-requisitos necessários para um SIC realizar a gestão do Capital Intelectual. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo de caso em uma indústria de bens de consumo de grande porte para diagnosticar como ocorre a gestão do seu Capital Intelectual e também como funciona o SIC, na percepção dos seus gestores (questionário e entrevista). Os resultados apontaram que a gestão do Capital Intelectual na empresa estudada ocorre informalmente. Também identificou-se a existência de um SIC que constitui-se do principal Sistema de Informação da organização e o mesmo não faz a gestão do Capital Intelectual, no entanto, tem condições de realizá-la. Assim, conclui-se que a existência dos seguintes pré-requisitos facilita a gestão do Capital Intelectual por este sistema: cultura para a gestão do valor total da empresa; existência de um sistema integrado de gestão; consolidação dos dados sob responsabilidade do SIC; SIC é o principal Sistema de Informação da organização; e existência de avaliação constante do sistema por seus usuários.
Aspectos das influências do gênero nas relações de trabalho de engenheiras de produção formadas numa instituição federal
Authors: Batista Marta Da Silva , Araujo Fernanda Santos , Laricchia Camila Rolim , Nepomuceno Vicente Aguilar
Published: July 2018

O presente artigo objetiva apresentar parte dos resultados obtidos com a pesquisa realizada para o Projeto Final de uma estudante do curso de engenharia de produção de uma instituição federal. O estudo investigou como as relações de gênero influenciam nas atividades de trabalho de engenheiras de produção formadas no CEFET/RJ UnED Nova Iguaçu. A pesquisa é qualitativa, foram entrevistadas oito engenheiras de produção dentro do perfil desejado. As análises qualitativas das entrevistas deram origem às conclusões sobre as influências das questões de gênero na trajetória profissional e nas atividades das engenheiras. Ao final do artigo são colocadas as sugestões de iniciativas que contribuam para o combate às opressões no ambiente de trabalho, que foram apresentadas na defesa do Projeto Final.