bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spirometer Non-Invasive dengan Sensor Piezoelektrik untuk Deteksi Kesehatan Paru-Paru
Authors: KEMALASARI KEMALASARI , WARDANA PAULUS SUSETYO , ADIL RATNA
Published: September 2017

ABSTRAKPolusi udara dapat mempengaruhi kesehatan paru-paru. Umumnya pengukuran fungsi paru menggunakan spirometer, dilakukan di rumah sakit dan membutuhkan waktu yang lama untuk mengetahui hasilnya. Untuk mengatasi masalah ini, dirancang Spirometer non-invasive yang portable dengan menggunakan sensor piezoelektrik yang diletakkan di dada. Perubahan tekanan yang diukur oleh sensor piezoelektrik adalah 10 – 80 mV, sehingga diperlukan rangkaian amplifier, filter, clamper, mikrokontroler AVR ATMega 32 sebagai pengolah data I/O dan LCD grafik untuk menampilkan hasil ukur serta SD card untuk menyimpan data. Alat ini mengukur  kapasitas vital paru-paru, respirasi rate, dan jika hasil ukur kapasitas vital paru-paru kurang  dari 80 % dari nilai prediksi kapasitas paru-paru maka kondisi paru-paru dideteksi tidak sehat.  Hasil dari pengujian menunjukkan bahwa persentase nilai keberhasilan alat adalah 95,70 %, hasil pengukuran dan deteksi kondisi paru-paru dapat langsung diketahui dari tampilan di LCD grafik, data hasil pengukuran bisa disimpan dan alat berukuran kecil sehingga portable, mudah digunakan oleh siapapun dan dimanapun dengan nyaman.Kata kunci: Spirometer, Piezoelektrik, Mikrokontroler, Kapasitas Paru-Paru, LCD Grafik.ABSTRACTAir pollution can be affected the health of the lungs. Generally the measurement of lungs function use a spirometry, performed  in the hospital and takes a long time to know the results. To overcome this problem, a portable non-invasive Spirometry is designed using a piezoelectric sensors placed on the chest. The changes of pressure is measured by the piezoelectric sensor are 10 - 80 mV, so it needs a amplifier circuit, filter, clamper, ATMega 32 AVR microcontroller as I/O data processor and LCD graph to display result of measurement and SD card for save the data. This instrument measure lungs vital capacity, respiration rate, and if the measured of lungs vital capacity is less than 80 % of the predicted of lung capacity, then the lung is detected unhealthy. The result of testing indicated that the percentage of success value of instrument is 95,70 %, the results of measurements and detection of lung conditions can be directly know from the view in LCD graphs, measurement data can be saved and size of instrument is small so portable, easy to use by anyone and anywhere with comfortably.Keywords: Spirometry, Piezoelectric, Microcontroller, Lungs Capacity, LCD Graphic.
Evaluasi Performansi Jaringan UMTS di Kota Semarang menggunakan Metode Drive Test
Authors: PUTRI HASANAH
Published: September 2017

ABSTRAKSaat ini penggunaan telepon seluler tidak hanya untuk komunikasi suara, melainkan juga untuk komunikasi data. Kota Semarang merupakan salah satu kota besar dengan jumlah pengguna telepon seluler yang banyak. Kondisi ini membutuhkan dukungan kualitas jaringan yang optimal dan kecepatan akses yang tinggi.  Pada penelitian ini dilakukan pengujian kualitas sinyal jaringan UMTS di kota tersebut. Pengukuran dilakukan dengan metode drive test menggunakan software TEMS dan Map info dalam pengolahan datanya. Ada beberapa parameter pengamatan dalam kegiatan pengukuran kualitas jaringan UMTS ini diantaranya RSCP (Receive Signal Code Power), Ec/No, Throughput dan KPI (Key Performance indicator). Setelah dilakukan pengukuran dan analisis perlu dilakukan proses simulasi optimasi yang dilakukan menggunakan software Atoll 3.2.1. Dari hasil pengukuran diperoleh nilai parameter RSCP, Ec/No, dan Throughput berturut-turut sebesar 68,45%, 91%, dan 52.2%. Setelah dilakukan simulasi optimasi terjadi peningkatan nilai parameter RSCP dan Ec/Noberturut-turut sebesar 97.28% dan 99.74%.Kata kunci: UMTS, Drive Test, Map Info, Atoll, KPI.ABSTRACTToday the use of mobile phone is not only for voice communication but also for data communications (mobile Internet). There are a lot of mobile phone users in Semarang, so that it requires the support of a good network quality and high-speed access. In this research, it will test and measure the signal quality UMTS network. The measurement is done with drive test method by using TEMS and Map Info software. There are several parameters of observation in quality measurement of UMTS network. They are RSCP (Received Signal Code Power), Ec/No , Throughput and KPI (Key Performance Indicator). After measurement and analysis it is needed to simulate the optimization recommendations process by using Atoll 3.2.1. to the observation’s parameters. From the measurement results obtained parameter values RSCP, Ec/No , and Throughput, respectively: 68.45, 91% and 52.2%. After the optimization simulation the value are increase significantly to the parameter value of RSCP and Ec/No respectively  97.28% and 99.74%.Keywords: UMTS, Drive Test, Map Info, Atoll, KPI.
Ubiquitous Sensor Networks: Efisiensi Sistem Kontrol Cairan Infus Pasien Rawat Inap
Authors: RAHMADYA BUDI , SISKA MIRA , AKBAR FAJRIL
Published: September 2017

ABSTRAKPenelitian ini membahas tentang sistem kontrol cairan infus pada pasien dengan memanfaatkan teknologi sensor networks dan mikrokontroler arduino uno.  Sensor yang digunakan adalah sensor Ultrasonik HC-SR04 yang difungsikan untuk mendeteksi sisa cairan infus. Data yang terbaca oleh sensor dikirimkan menggunakan jaringan nirkabel/wireless dari Transmitter (Tx) di ruang pasien ke Receiver (Rx) di ruang perawat dengan menggunakan modul wireless Xbee S2. Efisiensi dari sistem kontrol yang dibuat yaitu ketika sensor mendeteksi cairan infus mendekati batas habis cairan yang telah ditentukan maka motor yang berada pada selang infus akan berfungsi untuk menutup aliran cairan infus pada selang. Dari simulasi yang dilakukan, didapatkan hasil presentasi error ketinggian cairan infus sebesar 1.96% dan presentasi error volume cairan sebesar 2.16%. Performa dari modul wireless Xbee S2 juga di ujicoba dengan mengirimkan data dari Xbee end device ke Xbee coordinator dalam penelitian ini. Kata kunci: Infus, Sensor Networks, Sensor Ultrasonik HC-SR04, Xbee S2 dan Mikrokontroler Arduino Uno.ABSTRACTThis research discusses about intravenous fluids Control System on Patients, utilizing sensor network technology and Arduino Uno microcontroller. We used  HC-SR04 Ultrasonic sensors to detect the review time intravenous fluids. The sensors data is readable by transmitted using wireless network/wireless from Transmitter (Tx) in Patients Into Space Receiver (Rx) at nurse room with using XBee wireless device S2. The efficiency of the control system were made, namely when the sensor detects the approaching limits of intravenous fluids discharged liquid that has been determined then the motor that was on the infus line will serve to close the infusion fluid flow in the line. In our simulations we found, the findings obtained Presentation intravenous fluids altitude error is 1.96% and presentations volume Liquid error is 2.16%. The performance of network devices XBee S2 have been tried, wireless data from the XBee end devices coordinator in this research. Keywords: Infusion, Sensor Networks, HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor, XBee S2 And Microcontroller Arduino Uno.
Impaired reproduction after exposure to ADHD drugs: Systematic review of animal studies
Authors: Danborg Pia Brandt , Simonsen Anders Lykkemark , Gøtzsche Peter C.
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND:

Few studies have reported on long-term harms caused by ADHD drugs but they are known to impair growth.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess whether ADHD drugs impair reproduction in mammals.

METHODS:

Systematic review of reproduction in studies of animals treated with ADHD drugs.

DATA SOURCES:

PubMed, Biosis and EMBASE.

RESULTS:

We included 17 studies. The studies were generally of poor quality or poorly reported. Two studies reported the use of one of three advised randomisation methods. Fifteen studies used placebo which suggested blinding. On clonidine, the ability to produce offspring was reduced for male rats, which approached two females each. In one study, 10 treated rats produced no offspring while all four controls did. In another study, 10 treated rats impregnated nine females while 10 controls impregnated 16. On methylphenidate, vaginal opening was delayed in two studies (in one, the mean difference was 4.0 days, 95% CI 2.5 to 5.6, and number of estrous cycles was halved; in the other, the minimum delay was 6 days), while in two other studies no difference occurred. Generally, the impairments improved after a drug-free period and were less pronounced when treatment started later in life.

CONCLUSION:

ADHD drugs impair the reproduction in animals.
Comparative Study of Two Dynamics-Model-Based Estimation Algorithms for Distributed Drive Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zhang Xudong , Göhlich Dietmar , Fu Chenrui
Published: September 2017

The effect of vehicle active safety systems is subject to the accurate knowledge of vehicle states. Therefore, it is of great importance to develop a precise and robust estimation approach so as to deal with nonlinear vehicle dynamics systems. In this paper, a planar vehicle model with a simplified tire model is established first. Two advanced model-based estimation algorithms, an unscented Kalman filter and a moving horizon estimation, are developed for distributed drive electric vehicles. Using the proposed algorithms, vehicle longitudinal velocity, lateral velocity, yaw rate as well as lateral tire forces are estimated based on information fusion of standard sensors in today’s typical vehicle and feedback signals from electric motors. Computer simulations are implemented in the environment of CarSim combined with Matlab/Simulink. The performance of both estimators regarding convergence, accuracy, and robustness against an incorrect initial estimate of longitudinal velocity is compared in detail. The comparison results demonstrate that both estimation approaches have favourable coincidence with the corresponding reference values, while the moving horizon estimation is more accurate and robust, and owns faster convergence.
A Two-Stage Approach to Note-Level Transcription of a Specific Piano
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhou Ruohua , Yan Yonghong
Published: September 2017

This paper presents a two-stage transcription framework for a specific piano, which combines deep learning and spectrogram factorization techniques. In the first stage, two convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are adopted to recognize the notes of the piano preliminarily, and note verification for the specific individual is conducted in the second stage. The note recognition stage is independent of piano individual, in which one CNN is used to detect onsets and another is used to estimate the probabilities of pitches at each detected onset. Hence, candidate pitches at candidate onsets are obtained in the first stage. During the note verification, templates for the specific piano are generated to model the attack of note per pitch. Then, the spectrogram of the segment around candidate onset is factorized using attack templates of candidate pitches. In this way, not only the pitches are picked up by note activations, but the onsets are revised. Experiments show that CNN outperforms other types of neural networks in both onset detection and pitch estimation, and the combination of two CNNs yields better performance than a single CNN in note recognition. We also observe that note verification further improves the performance of transcription. In the transcription of a specific piano, the proposed system achieves 82% on note-wise F-measure, which outperforms the state-of-the-art.
Collision Avoidance from Multiple Passive Agents with Partially Predictable Behavior
Authors: Zuhaib Khalil , Khan Abdul , Iqbal Junaid , Ali Mian , Usman Muhammad , Ali Ahmad , Yaqub Sheraz , Lee Ji , Han Changsoo
Published: September 2017

Navigating a robot in a dynamic environment is a challenging task, especially when the behavior of other agents such as pedestrians, is only partially predictable. Also, the kinodynamic constraints on robot motion add an extra challenge. This paper proposes a novel navigational strategy for collision avoidance of a kinodynamically constrained robot from multiple moving passive agents with partially predictable behavior. Specifically, this paper presents a new approach to identify the set of control inputs to the robot, named control obstacle, which leads it towards a collision with a passive agent moving along an arbitrary path. The proposed method is developed by generalizing the concept of nonlinear velocity obstacle (NLVO), which is used to avoid collision with a passive agent, and takes into account the kinodynamic constraints on robot motion. Further, it formulates the navigational problem as an optimization problem, which allows the robot to make a safe decision in the presence of various sources of unmodelled uncertainties. Finally, the performance of the algorithm is evaluated for different parameters and is compared to existing velocity obstacle-based approaches. The simulated experiments show the excellent performance of the proposed approach in term of computation time and success rate.
Analysis of MTF in TDI-CCD Subpixel Dynamic Super-Resolution Imaging by Beam Splitter
Authors: Gao Kun , Han Lu , Liu Hongmiao , Dou Zeyang , Ni Guoqiang , Zhou Yingjie
Published: September 2017

The subpixel dynamic imaging technique of a beam splitter is one of the most effective super-resolution imaging methods. Aiming to create a linear time delay integration charge coupled device (TDI–CCD) subpixel imaging system based on the optical assembly method, its modulation transfer function (MTF) is analyzed based on the spatial over-sampling theory. Firstly, Fourier transformation of the sampling point is used to describe the frequency domain characteristics of TDI–CCD, which transform a unit cell of the spatial sampling lattice into a bandwidth cell in the spatial–frequency domain. Considering the effects of velocity mismatch and misalignment, the best subpixel staggering position of the linear TDI–CCD pair is given. Moreover, according to the analysis of the MTF of super-resolution reconstruction results from multiple subpixel images with random spatial offsets, the condition of sampling in the limitation of the enhancement of MTF is obtained. The numerical simulation and real experimental analysis reveal results that are consistent with the theoretical model.
Regioselective Synthesis of Lactulose Esters by Candida antarctica and Thermomyces lanuginosus Lipases
Authors: Chávez-Flores Luis , Beltran Hiram , Arrieta-Baez Daniel , Reyes-Duarte Dolores
Published: September 2017

The interest in sugar esters as emulsifiers has been increasing in recent years because they have tunable surfactant properties that depend on the chain length of the fatty acid and the type of the sugar, covering a wide range of hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB). In this work, ten biocatalysts were used for the transesterification reaction screening of lactulose, a prebiotic sugar, with vinyl laurate. The reactions were followed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis, identifying two major monoesters mixtures defined as monoester fraction 1 and monoester fraction 2. Candida antarctica lipase B (Novozym 435) produces “monoester fraction 1”, while Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (Lipozyme® TL IM) and Mucor miehei lipase (Lipozyme®) seem to produce the same “monoester fraction 2”. These three enzymes were selected as model biocatalysts for a kinetic study, and monoester fractions 1 and 2 from Novozym 435 and Lipozyme® TL IM, respectively, were used for product characterization. Monoester fraction 1 contained 86.9% of the major monoester in position 1-O-, and monoester fraction 2 contained 91.4% of 6′-O-. Although these lipases acylated three positions of lactulose, they mainly synthesize a monoester presenting regioselectivity. These results contribute to the study of the chemical structure diversity of biosurfactants to enhance their applications in foods, pharmaceutical products, and cosmetics.
Alternative Methods to Animal Testing for the Safety Evaluation of Cosmetic Ingredients: An Overview
Authors: Vinardell Maria , Mitjans Montserrat
Published: September 2017

The safety of cosmetics sold in Europe is based on the safety evaluation of each individual ingredient conducted by those responsible for putting the product on the market. However, those substances for which some concern exists with respect to human health (e.g., colorants, preservatives, UV-filters, nanomaterials) are evaluated at the European Commission level by a scientific committee, currently called the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). According to the Cosmetics Regulation (European Commission, 2009), it is prohibited in the European Union (EU) to market cosmetic products and ingredients that have been tested on animals. However, the results of studies performed before the ban continue to be accepted. In the current study, we evaluated the use of in vitro methods in the dossiers submitted to the SCCS in the period between 2013 and 2016 based on the published reports issued by the scientific committee, which provides a scientific opinion on these dossiers. The results of this evaluation were compared with those of an evaluation conducted four years previously. We found that, despite a slight increase in the number of studies performed in vitro, the majority of studies submitted to the SCCS is still done principally in vivo and correspond to studies performed before the ban.
In Vitro Methods for Predicting Chemical Leukoderma Caused by Quasi-Drug Cosmetics
Authors: Gu Lihao , Zeng Haifeng , Takahashi Tomomi , Maeda Kazuhisa
Published: September 2017

Skin care cosmetics frequently contain whitening or lightening agents. The present study aimed to establish in vitro methods for predicting chemical leukoderma caused by whitening agents in cosmetics. The risks of chemical leukoderma were predicted based on percutaneous absorption rates, toxic concentrations, and toxicity mechanisms. Thus, in vitro skin permeation rate and cytotoxic concentrations of whitening agents were studied using excised skin and cultured B16 melanoma cells. Pigment cell toxicity was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The levels of hydroxyl radical (∙OH) were measured and the location of ∙OH generation sites were determined in cultured B16 melanoma cells. Pigment cells cultured under conditions with high tyrosinase activity developed cytotoxicity when exposed to compounds known to cause leukoderma, while those cultured under conditions with low tyrosinase activity did not. Phenolic compounds that cause leukoderma were applied to the pigment cells at the concentration absorbed percutaneously under conditions with high tyrosinase activity. Cells that were observed using TEM demonstrated a large number of vacuolar degenerations in intracellular melanosomes after treatment with phenolic compounds that are known to cause leukoderma. Hydroxyl radical generation during the tyrosinase reaction was examined, as the whitening agents that inhibit tyrosinase activity serve as tyrosinase substrates. Only phenolic compounds that cause leukoderma generated high amounts of hydroxyl radicals. Thus, the hydroxyl radical is a melanocyte-specific toxin that disrupts tyrosinase-containing melanosomes. Whitening agents that generate high amounts of hydroxyl radicals may cause leukoderma. The in vitro method being reported here can predict the potential of a drug to cause leukoderma and whether the use of a specific whitening agent poses a risk.
Novel Early EEG Measures Predicting Brain Recovery after Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Cha Kab-Mun , Thakor Nitish , Shin Hyun-Chool
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we propose novel quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) measures by exploiting three critical and distinct phases (isoelectric, fast progression, and slow progression) of qEEG time evolution. Critical time points where the phase transition occurs are calculated. Most conventional measures have two major disadvantages. Firstly, to obtain meaningful time-evolution over raw electroencephalogram (EEG), these measures require baseline EEG activities before the subject’s injury. Secondly, conventional qEEG measures need at least 2∼3 h recording of EEG signals to predict meaningful long-term neurological outcomes. Unlike the conventional qEEG measures, the two measures do not require the baseline EEG information before injury and furthermore can be calculated only with the EEG data of 20∼30 min after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Lifespan Development of the Human Brain Revealed by Large-Scale Network Eigen-Entropy
Authors: Fan Yiming , Zeng Ling-Li , Shen Hui , Qin Jian , Li Fuquan , Hu Dewen
Published: September 2017

Imaging connectomics based on graph theory has become an effective and unique methodological framework for studying functional connectivity patterns of the developing and aging brain. Normal brain development is characterized by continuous and significant network evolution through infancy, childhood, and adolescence, following specific maturational patterns. Normal aging is related to some resting state brain networks disruption, which are associated with certain cognitive decline. It is a big challenge to design an integral metric to track connectome evolution patterns across the lifespan, which is to understand the principles of network organization in the human brain. In this study, we first defined a brain network eigen-entropy (NEE) based on the energy probability (EP) of each brain node. Next, we used the NEE to characterize the lifespan orderness trajectory of the whole-brain functional connectivity of 173 healthy individuals ranging in age from 7 to 85 years. The results revealed that during the lifespan, the whole-brain NEE exhibited a significant non-linear decrease and that the EP distribution shifted from concentration to wide dispersion, implying orderness enhancement of functional connectome over age. Furthermore, brain regions with significant EP changes from the flourishing (7–20 years) to the youth period (23–38 years) were mainly located in the right prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia, and were involved in emotion regulation and executive function in coordination with the action of the sensory system, implying that self-awareness and voluntary control performance significantly changed during neurodevelopment. However, the changes from the youth period to middle age (40–59 years) were located in the mesial temporal lobe and caudate, which are associated with long-term memory, implying that the memory of the human brain begins to decline with age during this period. Overall, the findings suggested that the human connectome shifted from a relatively anatomical driven state to an orderly organized state with lower entropy.
Evaluating Ingenious Instruments for Fundamental Determinants of Long-Run Economic Growth and Development
Authors: Owen P.
Published: September 2017

Empirical studies of the determinants of cross-country differences in long-run development are characterized by the ingenious nature of the instruments used. However, scepticism remains about their ability to provide a valid basis for causal inference. This paper examines whether explicit consideration of the statistical adequacy of the underlying reduced form, which provides an embedding framework for the structural equations, can usefully complement economic theory as a basis for assessing instrument choice in the fundamental determinants literature. Diagnostic testing of the reduced forms in influential studies reveals evidence of model misspecification, with parameter non-constancy and spatial dependence of the residuals being almost ubiquitous. This feature, surprisingly not previously identified, potentially undermines the inferences drawn about the structural parameters, such as the quantitative and statistical significance of different fundamental determinants.
Short-Term Expectation Formation Versus Long-Term Equilibrium Conditions: The Danish Housing Market
Authors: Hetland Andreas , Hetland Simon
Published: September 2017

The primary contribution of this paper is to establish that the long-swings behavior observed in the market price of Danish housing since the 1970s can be understood by studying the interplay between short-term expectation formation and long-run equilibrium conditions. We introduce an asset market model for housing based on uncertainty rather than risk, which under mild assumptions allows for other forms of forecasting behavior than rational expectations. We test the theory via an I(2) cointegrated VAR model and find that the long-run equilibrium for the housing price corresponds closely to the predictions from the theoretical framework. Additionally, we corroborate previous findings that housing markets are well characterized by short-term momentum forecasting behavior. Our conclusions have wider relevance, since housing prices play a role in the wider Danish economy, and other developed economies, through wealth effects.
Energy Saving Potential of a Thermoelectric Heat Pump-Assisted Liquid Desiccant System in a Dedicated Outdoor Air System
Authors: Kim Min-Hwi , Park Joon-Young , Jeong Jae-Weon
Published: September 2017

The main objective of this study was to develop a thermoelectric heat pump and liquid desiccant system based on a dedicated outdoor air system (THPLD-DOAS). An internally-cooled and -heated liquid desiccant system was used and a thermoelectric heat pump (THP) served as the desiccant cooling and heating energy source for dehumidification and regeneration of the desiccant solution, respectively. In order to investigate the energy-saving potential of the proposed system, its thermal performance and operating energy consumption during the cooling season were compared to those of a conventional dedicated outdoor air system with a ceiling radiant cooling panel system (DOAS-CRCP). Detailed simulations for each system were conducted under hot and humid climatic conditions. Their thermal performance under various room sensible heat factor (RSHF) conditions was evaluated to observe the energy performance, depending on the dehumidification performance, of the liquid desiccant system integrated with the THP. The results showed that the coefficient of performance (COP) of the THP ranged from 0.8 to 1.2 to maintain a sufficient dehumidification rate. The operating energy of the THPLD of the proposed system was 6.6% to 16.0% less than that of the chiller operating energy of a conventional DOAS. Consequently, the proposed system consumed 0.6–23.5% less operating energy compared to the conventional DOAS.
Peak Forces on Wave Energy Linear Generators in Tsunami and Extreme Waves
Authors: Sjökvist Linnea , Göteman Malin
Published: September 2017

The focus of this paper is the survivability of wave energy converters (WECs) in extreme waves and tsunamis, using realistic WEC parameters. The impact of a generator damping factor has been studied, and the peak forces plotted as a function of wave height. The paper shows that an increased damping decreases the force in the endstop hit, which is in agreement with earlier studies. However, when analyzing this in more detail, we can show that friction damping and velocity dependent generator damping affect the performance of the device differently, and that friction can have a latching effect on devices in tsunami waves, leading to higher peak forces. In addition, we study the impact of different line lengths, and find that longer line lengths reduce the endstop forces in extreme regular waves, but on the contrary increase the forces in tsunami waves due to the different fluid velocity fields.
Brazilian Test for Tensile Failure of Anisotropic Shale under Different Strain Rates at Quasi-static Loading
Authors: Wang Yu , Li Changhong , Hu Yanzhi , Mao Tianqiao
Published: September 2017

Shale formations show obvious anisotropic characteristics in their mechanical properties due to pronounced bedding planes and natural fractures. This anisotropic behavior generally creates complex fracturing networks and is crucial to gas shale stimulation. Although much research has been done to study the anisotropic compression behaviors of shale with static and quasi-static strain rates, there are limited investigations addressing the anisotropic tensile behaviors of shale at quasi-static strain rate. In this work, the anisotropic tensile behaviors of Longmaxi shales were studied systematically at different strain rates from 10−5 to 10−2 s−1 by performing Brazilian splitting tests. Testing results reveal the tensile strength anisotropy, rate dependency, and the stimulated fracture pattern morphology. The results show that the orientation between the applied force and bedding direction has an obvious effect on the tensile strength and fracture pattern. The rate dependency of shale under different loading rates is different for shale samples with various orientations. It was suggested that a complex tensile fracture pattern can be easily formed when using a high loading rate. The result sheds light on how to stimulate a complex fracturing network during field hydraulic fracturing treatment.
Hosting Capacity of the Power Grid for Renewable Electricity Production and New Large Consumption Equipment
Authors: Bollen Math , Rönnberg Sarah
Published: September 2017

After a brief historical introduction to the hosting-capacity approach, the hosting capacity is presented in this paper as a tool for distribution-system planning under uncertainty. This tool is illustrated by evaluating the readiness of two low-voltage networks for increasing amounts of customers with PV panels or with EV chargers. Both undervoltage and overvoltage are considered in the studies presented here. Probability distribution functions are calculated for the worst-case overvoltage and undervoltage as a function of the number of customers with PV or EV chargers. These distributions are used to obtain 90th percentile values that act as a performance index. This index is compared with an overvoltage or undervoltage limit to get the hosting capacity. General aspects of the hosting-capacity calculations (performance indices, limits, and calculation methods) are discussed for a number of other phenomena: overcurrent; fast voltage magnitude variations; voltage unbalance; harmonics and supraharmonics. The need for gathering data and further development of models for existing demand is emphasised in the discussion and conclusions.
Flame Front Propagation in an Optical GDI Engine under Stoichiometric and Lean Burn Conditions
Authors: Martinez Santiago , Irimescu Adrian , Merola Simona , Lacava Pedro , Curto-Riso Pedro
Published: September 2017

Lean fueling of spark ignited (SI) engines is a valid method for increasing efficiency and reducing nitric oxide (NOx) emissions. Gasoline direct injection (GDI) allows better fuel economy with respect to the port-fuel injection configuration, through greater flexibility to load changes, reduced tendency to abnormal combustion, and reduction of pumping and heat losses. During homogenous charge operation with lean mixtures, flame development is prolonged and incomplete combustion can even occur, causing a decrease in stability and engine efficiency. On the other hand, charge stratification results in fuel impingement on the combustion chamber walls and high particle emissions. Therefore, lean operation requires a fundamentally new understanding of in-cylinder processes for developing the next generation of direct-injection (DI) SI engines. In this paper, combustion was investigated in an optically accessible DISI single cylinder research engine fueled with gasoline. Stoichiometric and lean operations were studied in detail through a combined thermodynamic and optical approach. The engine was operated at a fixed rotational speed (1000 rpm), with a wide open throttle, and at the start of the injection during the intake stroke. The excess air ratio was raised from 1 to values close to the flammability limit, and spark timing was adopted according to the maximum brake torque setting for each case. Cycle resolved digital imaging and spectroscopy were applied; the optical data were correlated to in-cylinder pressure traces and exhaust gas emission measurements. Flame front propagation speed, flame morphology parameters, and centroid motion were evaluated through image processing. Chemical kinetics were characterized based on spectroscopy data. Lean burn operation demonstrated increased flame distortion and center movement from the location of the spark plug compared to the stoichiometric case; engine stability decreased as the lean flammability limit was approached.
New Allometric Equations to Support Sustainable Plantation Management of Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora Ducke) in the Central Amazon
Authors: Krainovic Pedro , Almeida Danilo , Sampaio Paulo
Published: September 2017

Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora Ducke) is an endangered Amazonian tree species which produces one of the most valuable essential oils in the world. The species is used in silvicultural systems which are seen as a means to reducing the pressure of exploitation of natural rosewood populations. There are no specific equations for rosewood plantations, and therefore generalized equations are inappropriate for the species in commercial systems. This study presents allometric equations from 144 trees sampled in different rosewood plantations of Central Amazonia. The equations generated were compared with an equation used in forest management to estimate wood volume and another one recommended by law for rosewood biomass. The equation suggested by current legislation underestimates the actual values by more than 70% making the viable use of this equation impossible in commercial plantations. The equations generated to estimate the volume and biomass serve as an alternative to the need to develop specific equations for each area and age of the plant. The generic equation for the species is consistent for fresh mass management, with a generalized R2 of 0.80 and an underestimation of 0.33%. The equation for crown fresh mass estimation presented a generalized R2 of 0.32 and an underestimation of 0.24%. The underestimation of the mass production by rosewood plantations represents a serious impediment to this forest activity. The allometric equations developed are highly applicable under different conditions and management options and should be suggested by the legal provisions regulating rosewood-related activity in Central Amazonia.
Zebrafish Xenograft: An Evolutionary Experiment in Tumour Biology
Authors: Wyatt Rachael A. , Trieu Nhu P. V. , Crawford Bryan D.
Published: September 2017

Though the cancer research community has used mouse xenografts for decades more than zebrafish xenografts, zebrafish have much to offer: they are cheap, easy to work with, and the embryonic model is relatively easy to use in high-throughput assays. Zebrafish can be imaged live, allowing us to observe cellular and molecular processes in vivo in real time. Opponents dismiss the zebrafish model due to the evolutionary distance between zebrafish and humans, as compared to mice, but proponents argue for the zebrafish xenograft’s superiority to cell culture systems and its advantages in imaging. This review places the zebrafish xenograft in the context of current views on cancer and gives an overview of how several aspects of this evolutionary disease can be addressed in the zebrafish model. Zebrafish are missing homologs of some human proteins and (of particular interest) several members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of proteases, which are known for their importance in tumour biology. This review draws attention to the implicit evolutionary experiment taking place when the molecular ecology of the xenograft host is significantly different than that of the donor.
Paint it Black: Using Change-Point Analysis to Investigate Increasing Vulnerability to Depression towards the End of Vincent van Gogh’s Life
Authors: Van Emmerik Arnold , Hamaker Ellen
Published: September 2017

This study investigated whether Vincent van Gogh became increasingly self-focused—and thus vulnerable to depression—towards the end of his life, through a quantitative analysis of his written pronoun use over time. A change-point analysis was conducted on the time series formed by the pronoun use in Van Gogh’s letters. We used time as a predictor to see whether there was evidence for increased self-focus towards the end of Van Gogh’s life, and we compared this to the pattern in the letters written before his move to Arles. Specifically, we examined Van Gogh’s use of first person singular pronouns (FPSP) and first person plural pronouns (FPPP) in the 415 letters he wrote while working as an artist before his move to Arles, and in the next 248 letters he wrote after his move to Arles until his death in Auvers-sur-Oise. During the latter period, Van Gogh’s use of FPSP showed an annual increase of 0.68% (SE = 0.15, p < 0.001) and his use of FPPP showed an annual decrease of 0.23% (SE = 0.04, p < 0.001), indicating increasing self-focus and vulnerability to depression. This trend differed from Van Gogh’s pronoun use in the former period (which showed no significant trend in FPSP, and an annual increase of FPPP of 0.03%, SE = 0.02, p = 0.04). This study suggests that Van Gogh’s death was preceded by a gradually increasing self-focus and vulnerability to depression. It also illustrates how existing methods (i.e., quantitative linguistic analysis and change-point analysis) can be combined to study specific research questions in innovative ways.
Enhancing Youth Participation Using the PREP Intervention: Parents’ Perspectives
Authors: Anaby Dana , Mercerat Coralie , Tremblay Stephanie
Published: September 2017

Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP), an innovative intervention aimed at modifying the environment and coaching youth/parents, was found to be effective in improving youth participation in chosen community activities. In order to complement existing quantitative evidence, this study examined parents’ perspectives on the PREP approach. Twelve parents of youth with physical disabilities (12 to 18 years old) who received the PREP approach participated in individual semi-structured interviews following the 12-week intervention delivered by an occupational therapist. Thematic analysis revealed three inter-linked themes, the first of which was informative, describing the “nature of intervention”, and led to two reflective themes: “multi-faceted effects of care” and “process of care”. Parents highlighted the effect of the PREP intervention in a broad sense, extending beyond the accomplishment of the selected activities. This involved improvements on the physical, emotional, and social levels as well as in autonomy. Parents also discussed how their own needs were acknowledged through the intervention and recognized the unique role of the occupational therapist in supporting this process. The findings provide additional information about the usefulness of the PREP approach and describe the various benefits generated by a single intervention. Such knowledge can expand the therapeutic options for positive, health-promoting participation.
Gene Drive for Mosquito Control: Where Did It Come from and Where Are We Headed?
Authors: Macias Vanessa , Ohm Johanna , Rasgon Jason
Published: September 2017

Mosquito-borne pathogens place an enormous burden on human health. The existing toolkit is insufficient to support ongoing vector-control efforts towards meeting disease elimination and eradication goals. The perspective that genetic approaches can potentially add a significant set of tools toward mosquito control is not new, but the recent improvements in site-specific gene editing with CRISPR/Cas9 systems have enhanced our ability to both study mosquito biology using reverse genetics and produce genetics-based tools. Cas9-mediated gene-editing is an efficient and adaptable platform for gene drive strategies, which have advantages over innundative release strategies for introgressing desirable suppression and pathogen-blocking genotypes into wild mosquito populations; until recently, an effective gene drive has been largely out of reach. Many considerations will inform the effective use of new genetic tools, including gene drives. Here we review the lengthy history of genetic advances in mosquito biology and discuss both the impact of efficient site-specific gene editing on vector biology and the resulting potential to deploy new genetic tools for the abatement of mosquito-borne disease.
Combining Theory-Driven Evaluation and Causal Loop Diagramming for Opening the ‘Black Box’ of an Intervention in the Health Sector: A Case of Performance-Based Financing in Western Uganda
Authors: Renmans Dimitri , Holvoet Nathalie , Criel Bart
Published: September 2017

Increased attention on “complexity” in health systems evaluation has resulted in many different methodological responses. Theory-driven evaluations and systems thinking are two such responses that aim for better understanding of the mechanisms underlying given outcomes. Here, we studied the implementation of a performance-based financing intervention by the Belgian Technical Cooperation in Western Uganda to illustrate a methodological strategy of combining these two approaches. We utilized a systems dynamics tool called causal loop diagramming (CLD) to generate hypotheses feeding into a theory-driven evaluation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 health workers from two districts (Kasese and Kyenjojo) and with 16 key informants. After CLD, we identified three relevant hypotheses: “success to the successful”, “growth and underinvestment”, and “supervision conundrum”. The first hypothesis leads to increasing improvements in performance, as better performance leads to more incentives, which in turn leads to better performance. The latter two hypotheses point to potential bottlenecks. Thus, the proposed methodological strategy was a useful tool for identifying hypotheses that can inform a theory-driven evaluation. The hypotheses are represented in a comprehensible way while highlighting the underlying assumptions, and are more easily falsifiable than hypotheses identified without using CLD.
Fine-Scale Spatial Variability of Pedestrian-Level Particulate Matters in Compact Urban Commercial Districts in Hong Kong
Authors: Shi Yuan , Ng Edward
Published: September 2017

Particulate matters (PM) at the pedestrian level significantly raises the health impacts in the compact urban environment of Hong Kong. A detailed investigation of the fine-scale spatial variation of pedestrian-level PM is necessary to assess the health risk to pedestrians in the outdoor environment. However, the collection of PM data is difficult in the compact urban environment of Hong Kong due to the limited amount of roadside monitoring stations and the complicated urban context. In this study, we measured the fine-scale spatial variability of the PM in three of the most representative commercial districts of Hong Kong using a backpack outdoor environmental measuring unit. Based on the measurement data, 13 types of geospatial interpolation methods were examined for the spatial mapping of PM2.5 and PM10 with a group of building geometrical covariates. Geostatistical modelling was adopted as the basis of spatial interpolation of the PM. The results show that the original cokriging with the exponential kernel function provides the best performance in the PM mapping. Using the fine-scale building geometrical features as covariates slightly improves the interpolation performance. The study results also imply that the fine-scale, localized pollution emission sources heavily influence pedestrian exposure to PM.
Microbiological Impact of the Use of Reclaimed Wastewater in Recreational Parks
Authors: Palacios Oskar , Zavala-Díaz de la Serna Francisco , Ballinas-Casarrubias María , Espino-Valdés María , Nevárez-Moorillón Guadalupe
Published: September 2017

Reclaimed wastewater for irrigation is an opportunity for recovery of this natural resource. In this study, microbial risk from the use of treated wastewater for irrigation of recreational parks in the city of Chihuahua, evaluating the effect of distribution distance, season, and presence of storage tanks, was analyzed. Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and multidrug-resistant bacteria were recovered from samples of reclaimed water and soils at recreational parks in Chihuahua by the membrane filtration method, using selected agars for microbial growth. Samples were taken at three different seasons. No correlation in the presence of microbial indicators and multidrug-resistant bacteria (p > 0.05) was found between the distance from the wastewater treatment plant to the point of use. Presence of storage tanks in parks showed a significant effect (p < 0.05) with a higher level of E. coli. The highest count in wastewater occurred in summer. We isolated 392 multidrug-resistant bacteria from water and soil; cluster analysis showed that the microorganisms at each location were of different origins. Irrigation with reclaimed wastewater did not have a negative effect on the presence of microbial indicators of the quality of soils in the parks. However, the prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria still represents a potential risk factor for human health.
On Consistency Test Method of Expert Opinion in Ecological Security Assessment
Authors: Gong Zaiwu , Wang Lihong
Published: September 2017

To reflect the initiative design and initiative of human security management and safety warning, ecological safety assessment is of great value. In the comprehensive evaluation of regional ecological security with the participation of experts, the expert’s individual judgment level, ability and the consistency of the expert’s overall opinion will have a very important influence on the evaluation result. This paper studies the consistency measure and consensus measure based on the multiplicative and additive consistency property of fuzzy preference relation (FPR). We firstly propose the optimization methods to obtain the optimal multiplicative consistent and additively consistent FPRs of individual and group judgments, respectively. Then, we put forward a consistency measure by computing the distance between the original individual judgment and the optimal individual estimation, along with a consensus measure by computing the distance between the original collective judgment and the optimal collective estimation. In the end, we make a case study on ecological security for five cities. Result shows that the optimal FPRs are helpful in measuring the consistency degree of individual judgment and the consensus degree of collective judgment.
Mapping Forest Species in the Central Middle Atlas of Morocco (Azrou Forest) through Remote Sensing Techniques
Authors: Mohajane Meriame , Essahlaoui Ali , Oudija Fatiha , El Hafyani Mohammed , Cláudia Teodoro Ana
Published: September 2017

The studies of forest ecosystems from remotely-sensed data are of great interest to researchers because of ecosystem services provided by this ecosystem, including protection of soils and vegetation, climate stabilization, and regulation of the hydrological cycle. In this context, our study focused on the use of a spectral angle mapper (SAM) classification method for mapping species in the Azrou Forest, Central Middle Atlas, Morocco. A Sentinel-2A image combined with ground reference data were used in this research. Four classes (holm oak, cedar forest, bare soil, and others-unclassified) were selected; they represent, respectively, 27, 11, 24, and 38% of the study area. The overall accuracy of classification was estimated to be around 99.72%. This work explored the potential of the SAM classification combined with Sentinel-2A data for mapping land cover in the Azrou Forest ecosystem.