bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geração de pílulas azuis: a intensa busca pela felicidade na contemporaneidade
Authors: Rocha Victor Hugo Coelho , Santos Gabriele Pacheco
Published: April 2018

A sociedade contemporânea carrega consigo uma gama de características que precisam ser alcançadas para que o indivíduo consiga a famigerada felicidade: comprar determinados produtos, pertencer a um determinado grupo, possuir determinadas formas de entretenimentos, etc. Contudo, todos esses empecilhos surgem para garantir a felicidade do sujeito, tornando os momentos melancólicos e tristes – que são naturais do ser humano – inadmissíveis. Objetivou-se abordar nesta revisão de literatura como ocorre o processo de “sequestro” da subjetividade do sujeito, o qual reprimido em seus mais íngremes desejos, somatiza e adoece, abordando também o quão exacerbado tornou-se o uso descontrolado de medicamentos, além do mais, visa fazer uma reflexão acerca disto: por que torna-se mais fácil velar um problema a refletir sobre o mesmo? Fazendo um comparativo com os filmes de Matrix: por que é mais fácil tomar a pílula azul e ter uma vida velada a tomar a pílula vermelha e enxergar a verdade? Tratou-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica realizada em periódicos científicos no período de abril a agosto de 2017. Através deste estudo, pode-se apontar que todo indivíduo carrega em si o desejo de alcançar a plena felicidade. Entretanto, sabe-se que a civilização e a cultura são dois dos grandes impasses que dificultam o alcance da utópica felicidade. A crítica que aqui é feita não é de banir os medicamentos – até porque estes são de um imenso auxílio à prática psicoterápica –, tampouco à indústria farmacêutica, mas sim direcionado a ausência de reflexão.
Qualidade fisiológica de sementes de gergelim produzidas em função da adubação e da lâmina de irrigação
Authors: Macedo Aldifran Rafael de , Pereira Márcio Dias , Ferreira Erivan Isidio , Soares Edimar Rodrigues , Zebalos Carlos Henrique dos Santos
Published: April 2018

A maior parte dos estudos relacionados à nutrição e regimes de irrigação aplicados as plantas são voltadas para a produção comercial de grãos, não tendo como foco, o potencial fisiológico das sementes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de gergelim produzidas a partir de plantas cultivadas sob diferentes tipos de adubação e lâminas de irrigação. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente ao acaso com 4 repetições, em arranjo fatorial 3x5, sendo três tipos de adubos (testemunha, composto orgânico e resíduo sólido de biodigestor) e cinco lâminas de irrigação (25, 50, 75, 100 e 125% da evapotranspiração da cultura). Foram analisados a germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, primeira contagem de germinação e comprimento de parte área e da raiz primária das plântulas. O uso de diferentes lâminas de irrigação não influenciou a qualidade de sementes produzidas a partir de plantas cultivadas sem adubação ou adubadas com resíduo de biodigestor, mas promoveram a produção de sementes de qualidade crescente, a medida em que se aumentou a disponibilidade de água, quando combinada com o uso do composto orgânico. Sementes produzidas a partir de plantas não adubadas ou com resíduo de biodigestor, apresentaram maior viabilidade e vigor que aquelas adubadas com composto orgânico.
Some Measures of Picture Fuzzy Sets and Their Application
Authors: Van Dinh Nguyen , Xuan Thao Nguyen
Published: April 2018

To measure the difference of two fuzzy sets (FSs) / intuitionistic sets (IFSs), we can use the distance measure and dissimilarity measure between fuzzy sets/intuitionistic fuzzy set. Characterization of distance/dissimilarity measure between fuzzy sets/intuitionistic fuzzy set is important as it has application in different areas: pattern recognition, image segmentation, and decision making. Picture fuzzy set (PFS) is a generalization of fuzzy set and intuitionistic set, so that it have many application. In this paper, we introduce concepts: difference between PFS-sets, distance measure and dissimilarity measure between picture fuzzy sets, and also provide  the formulas for determining these values. We also present an application of dissimilarity measures in the sample recognition problems, can also be considered a decision-making problem.
Trade Defence Instruments in Africa: Possible Scenarios for Implementation under the TFTA
Authors: Taweel Khaled El , Brink Gustav
Published: April 2018

Africa is moving towards more economic integration, leading to the conclusion of the Tripartite Free Trade Agreement (TFTA). The trade remedies annex, essential to ensure economic survival of industries in member states, must still be developed. This article proposes a gradual approach to achieve integration and a regional trade defence system.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights under the 2010 Constitutional Dispensation
Authors: Dinokopila Bonolo Ramadi , Murangiri Rhoda Igweta
Published: April 2018

This article examines the transformation of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and discusses the implications of such transformation on the promotion and protection of human rights in Kenya. The article is an exposition of the powers of the Commission and their importance to the realisation of the Bill of Rights under the 2010 Kenyan Constitution. This is done from a normative and institutional perspective with particular emphasis on the extent to which the UN Principles Relating to the Status of National Institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles, 1993) have been complied with. The article highlights the role of national human rights commissions in transformative and/or transitional justice in post-conflict Kenya. It also explores the possible complementary relationship(s) between the KNCHR and other Article 59 Commissions for the better enforcement of the bill of rights.
Unclogging WTO Decision-Making with the Provisions on Amendments in Article X of the WTO Agreement
Authors: Ansong Alex
Published: April 2018

The provisions on decision-making in the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organisation (WTO Agreement) are of fundamental importance in any discussion on democracy in the WTO. Articles IX and X of the WTO Agreement provide for some of the most important decision-making procedures in the WTO. Of particular importance in this regard is the single undertaking principle established in Article II:2 of the WTO Agreement. Under the single undertaking principle all multilateral agreements are binding on all WTO members. This has a significant implication for the democratic legitimacy of decision-making in the WTO because once a decision or agreement is multilateral in nature it is binding on all WTO members. While having the important advantage of bringing rules under the rubric of multilateralism, the single undertaking principle can become overly unwieldy, hence resulting in an impasse-prone decision- making system. This article discusses the single undertaking requirement and decision-making in the WTO and explores the use of paragraphs 1 and 3 of Article X of the WTO Agreement in the adoption of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. It also discusses the special and differential treatment provisions made available to developing and least developed countries based on each country's specific needs.
Re-Examining Hazardous Waste in Nigeria: Practical Possibilities within the United Nations System
Authors: Ijaiya Hakeem , Abbas Wardah I. , Wuraola O. T.
Published: April 2018

Over several decades, Nigeria has still not been let off the hook for the leeching effects of environmental pollution, particularly that caused by ever-growing mountains of hazardous waste. From the harmful gases put into the atmosphere or the toxic waste released into water bodies and to the waste produced from our homes, the unchecked creation of hazardous waste continues to pose a threat not just to the health and lives of both present and future generations but also to economic growth and development as well as the enjoyment of basic human rights. This article aims at examining the major issues surrounding the unbridled production of hazardous waste in Nigeria as well as some practical possibilities within the United Nations system to put an end to the menace. In so doing, a doctrinal method of legal research is employed by conducting a qualitative content analysis of primary and secondary sources of materials. This article finds that in the absence of practical and innovative actions to stem the relentless growth in waste, the future of Nigeria's economic growth is hazy. It is concluded that if the country can take a proactive dive into the United Nations system by shifting the focus from ‘waste management’ to ‘resource management’ through legally binding instruments, there may soon be a pathway for Nigeria to create one of the most sustainable economies in the world. This article recommends a substantial step-change involving both national and local political players as well as the general public to implement more practical solutions to hazardous waste in Nigeria.
Effect of Carbon Black Nanoparticles from the Pyrolysis of Discarded Tires on the Performance of Asphalt and its Mixtures
Authors: Li Chuangmin , Fan Ziran , Wu Shaopeng , Li Yuanyuan , Gan Youwei , Zhang Aoming
Published: April 2018

It is of great benefit to the environment and the economy to use discarded tires pyrolysis carbon black (TPCB) nanoparticles as a modifier for asphalt binders. A base asphalt binder with 60/80 penetration (GF-70) was selected to prepare the TPCB-modified asphalt binder (TPCB/GF-70) with a 15% dosage of TPCB by the melt blending method. The test instruments, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, laser particle size analyzer, and thermogravimetric analyzer, were used to study the characteristics of TPCB. The physical performance of GF-70 and TPCB/GF-70 were tested and the rheological properties were also tested with a dynamic shear rheometer to investigate TPCB’s effect on the performance of GF-70. In addition, the aromatic hydrocarbon oil (AHO) was used as the softening agent for TPCB/GF-70. The pavement performance of AC-13 and AC-20 was studied to evaluate the comprehensive effect of TPCB and AHO on the pavement performance of asphalt mixtures. Results show that a 15% dosage of TPCB can significantly improve the anti-rutting performance of GF-70, and decrease the low-temperature performance of GF-70 within one PG grade. AHO can obviously improve the low-temperature performance of TPCB/GF-70, but does not significantly decrease the high-temperature performance. With the addition of AHO and a 0.1% higher oil aggregate ratio, TPCB tends to significantly improve the anti-rutting performance and the low-temperature performance of TPCB-modified mixtures; the moisture stability of TPCB and AHO composite modified mixtures satisfies the requirement of water stability.
Multi-Attributes, Utility-Based, Channel Quality Ranking Mechanism for Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Arjoune Youness , Mrabet Zakaria El , Kaabouch Naima
Published: April 2018

Cognitive radio is an intelligent wireless solution that aims to enhance the access to the radio spectrum. In this technology, secondary users sense the radio spectrum, select the best channel among a pool of free channels, and determine the optimal transmission parameters to meet their quality-of-service requirements while maximizing the spectral efficiency. Over the past decade, several channel-ranking mechanisms have been proposed. However, these mechanisms consider only the remaining idle time of the channel and exclude some crucial parameters. This convincingly demonstrates a strong need for a new channel quality-ranking model that jointly considers several parameters to select the best communication channel for transmission. This paper proposes a utility model that integrates several important parameters for ranking channels. First, we underline the importance of the process of the channel quality ranking. Then, we describe a multi-attributes, utility-based, channel quality-ranking model. Finally, we describe a series of experiments and their results, which show that our model effectively ranks the best communication channels first.
Blue and Orange Two-Color CW Laser Based on Single-Pass Second-Harmonic and Sum-Frequency Generation in MgO:PPLN
Authors: Choge Dismas K. , Chen Huai-Xi , Xu Yi-Bin , Guo Lei , Li Guang-Wei , Liang Wan-Guo
Published: April 2018

We demonstrate a compact blue and orange-two color continuous wave laser source emitting at 487 nm and from 597.4 to 600.3 nm, respectively. The temperature tunable coherent orange radiation is achieved by frequency mixing 974 nm laser diode (LD) and a C-band amplified spontaneous emission laser source while the temperature insensitive blue radiation is generated by second-order quasi-phase-matching frequency doubling of 974 nm LD. We implement the simultaneous nonlinear processes in a single magnesium oxide doped periodically poled lithium niobate bulk crystal without the need of an aperiodic design.
Anime Landscapes as a Tool for Analyzing the Human–Environment Relationship: Hayao Miyazaki Films
Authors: Mumcu Sema , Yılmaz Serap
Published: April 2018

Common dualistic thinking in environmental design education adopts humans and the environment as separate entities, with the environment as raw material stock. This approach affects the intellectual development of landscape architects and limits their ability to create meaningful landscapes. Therefore, it is necessary to explore and highlight new ideas about the more integrated human–environment relationship. Through the films of Hayao Miyazaki, many audiences around the world have encountered a different worldview. By contrast with Western thinking, which adopts human superiority to nature, the worldview that Miyazaki reflects in his films depicts human as an inseparable part of nature. Being inspired by different communities and their relationship to nature in Miyazaki’s films, we propose using anime as a means of analyzing the human–environment relationship. We classified landscapes based on power relations between humans and nature. We explored how communities shape their physical environment based on how they socially construct nature and the resulting landscapes. Thus, through apocalyptic landscapes, the bitter results of exploiting nature were depicted. Wilderness landscapes reflect the bias humanity has about nature as wild and hostile. Responsible landscapes were introduced asway of understanding the unbreakable bond between humans and the environment. Through these animated landscape types, the ways landscape architecture should approach nature in professional practices was discussed, and the importance of creating responsible landscapes was emphasized.
On the Analysis of Mixed-Index Time Fractional Differential Equation Systems
Authors: Burrage Kevin , Burrage Pamela , Turner Ian , Zeng Fanhai
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we study the class of mixed-index time fractional differential equations in which different components of the problem have different time fractional derivatives on the left-hand side. We prove a theorem on the solution of the linear system of equations, which collapses to the well-known Mittag–Leffler solution in the case that the indices are the same and also generalises the solution of the so-called linear sequential class of time fractional problems. We also investigate the asymptotic stability properties of this class of problems using Laplace transforms and show how Laplace transforms can be used to write solutions as linear combinations of generalised Mittag–Leffler functions in some cases. Finally, we illustrate our results with some numerical simulations.
Tumor Molecular Profiling for an Individualized Approach to the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Patient Case Study
Authors: Posadas Kristine , Ankola Anita , Yang Zhaohai , Yee Nelson S.
Published: April 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing in incidence, and the associated mortality rate remains among the highest. For advanced HCC, sorafenib has been shown to slightly prolong survival, and regorafenib and nivolumab, both recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), may produce clinical benefits to a limited extent. Systemic chemotherapy has been shown to produce a modest response, but there is no clinically valid biomarker that can be used to predict which patients may benefit. In this case study, we present two patients with metastatic HCC, they received systemic treatment using capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and either bevacizumab or sorafenib. The tumor response to treatment was determined by the progression-free survival (PFS). Molecular profiling of the tumors showed differential expression of biochemical markers and different mutational status of the TP53 and β-catenin (CTNNB1) genes. We hypothesize that the PFS correlates with the tumor molecular profiles, which may be predictive of the therapeutic response to systemic chemotherapy. Further investigation is indicated to correlate tumor biomarkers and treatment responses, with the objective of personalizing the therapies for patients with advanced HCC.
Interview with the Guest Editor—Ille C. Gebeshuber
Authors: Garcia-Campmany Lidia
Published: April 2018

Ille C. Gebeshuber is Professor of Physics at the Institute of Applied Physics at the Vienna University of Technology, Austria, where she graduated and completed her Ph.D. on technical biophysics of the inner ear in 1998. In 1999, she undertook postdoctoral training in scanning probe microscopy and biomimetics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA, and soon after she returned to Austria to her home university to work on ion surface interactions, tribology and (bio-)nanotechnology. From 2009 to 2015, she joined the Institute of Microengineering and Nanoelectronics at the National University of Malaysia. During her expeditions, together with her students from cultural diverse backgrounds and expertise, she learned from the rainforest how nature develops well-adapted structures and materials, inspiring her to apply these principles to solve technological problems for humans to face global challenges in a safe and sustainable way. Her research focuses on nanotechnology and biomimetics, and takes a multidisciplinary approach, from biology and engineering to the fine arts and the social sciences. In 2017, she was elected Austrian of the Year in the “Research” category. We asked Ille about her career, her thoughts about the potential of biomimetic nanotechnology, and her experience during her editorship with Biomimetics.
What Is Going On? The Process of Generating Questions about Emotion and Social Cognition in Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia with Cartoon Situations and Faces
Authors: Fantie Bryan D. , Kosmidis Mary H. , Giannakou Maria , Moza Sotiria , Karavatos Athanasios , Bozikas Vassilis P.
Published: April 2018

Regarding the notion of putative “best” practices in social neuroscience and science in general, we contend that following established procedures has advantages, but prescriptive uniformity in methodology can obscure flaws, bias thinking, stifle creativity, and restrict exploration. Generating hypotheses is at least as important as testing hypotheses. To illustrate this process, we describe the following exploratory study. Psychiatric patients have difficulties with social functioning that affect their quality of life adversely. To investigate these impediments, we compared the performances of patients with schizophrenia and those with bipolar disorder to healthy controls on a task that involved matching photographs of facial expressions to a faceless protagonist in each of a series of drawn cartoon emotion-related situations. These scenarios involved either a single character (Nonsocial) or multiple characters (Social). The Social scenarios were also Congruent, with everyone in the cartoon displaying the same emotion, or Noncongruent (with everyone displaying a different emotion than the protagonist should). In this preliminary study, both patient groups produced lower scores than controls (p < 0.001), but did not perform differently from each other. All groups performed best on the social-congruent items and worst on the social-noncongruent items (p < 0.001). Performance varied inversely with illness duration, but not symptom severity. Complete emotional, social, cognitive, or perceptual inability is unlikely because these patient groups could still do this task. Nevertheless, the differences we saw could be meaningful functionally and clinically significant and deserve further exploration. Therefore, we stress the need to continue developing novel, alternative ways to explore social cognition in patients with psychiatric disorders and to clarify which elements of the multidimensional process contribute to difficulties in daily functioning.
The Hippo-YAP Pathway Regulates 3D Organ Formation and Homeostasis
Authors: Ishihara Erika , Nishina Hiroshi
Published: April 2018

The vertebrate body shape is formed by the specific sizes and shapes of its resident tissues and organs, whose alignments are essential for proper functioning. To maintain tissue and organ shape, and thereby function, it is necessary to remove senescent, transformed, and/or damaged cells, which impair function and can lead to tumorigenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying three-dimensional (3D) organ formation and homeostasis are not fully clear. Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a transcriptional co-activator that is involved in organ size control and tumorigenesis. Recently, we reported that YAP is essential for proper 3D body shape through regulation of cell tension by using a unique medaka fish mutant, hirame (hir). In Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells, active YAP-transformed cells are eliminated apically when surrounded by normal cells. Furthermore, in a mosaic mouse model, active YAP-expressing damaged hepatocytes undergo apoptosis and are eliminated from the liver. Thus, YAP functions in quantitative and quality control in organogenesis. In this review, we describe the various roles of YAP in vertebrates, including in the initiation of liver cancer.
Hydrocolloid-Based Coatings are Effective at Reducing Acrylamide and Oil Content of French Fries
Authors: Al-Asmar Asmaa , Naviglio Daniele , Giosafatto Concetta Valeria L. , Mariniello Loredana
Published: April 2018

French fries are popular products worldwide. However, this product is a sufferable source of high acrylamide due to high temperature and low moisture. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of grass pea flour (GPF), transglutaminase (TGase)-treated (GPF + TGase), chitosan (CH), and pectin (PEC) hydrocolloid coating solutions on the formation of acrylamide, water retention as well as on oil content. In addition, the Daily Intake (DI) and Margin of Exposure (MOE) were calculated to estimate variations in risk assessment by applying coating solutions before frying. Our results showed that the highest acrylamide content was detected in the control sample, reaching a value of 2089 µg kg−1. Hydrocolloid coating solutions were demonstrated to be an effective way to reduce acrylamide formation, with the percentage of acrylamide reduction equal to 48% for PEC, >38% for CH, ≥37% for GPF + TGase, and >31% for GPF, respectively. We hypothesized that the coatings were able to increase the water retention and, thus reduce the Maillard reaction, which is responsible for acrylamide formation. In fact, the MOE value for coated French fries was increase, resulting in being closer to the safety level to avoid carcinogenic risk. Moreover, our coatings were effective in reducing oil uptake.
Using the GB2 Income Distribution
Authors: Chotikapanich Duangkamon , Griffiths William E. , Hajargasht Gholamreza , Karunarathne Wasana , Rao D. S. Prasada
Published: April 2018

To use the generalized beta distribution of the second kind (GB2) for the analysis of income and other positively skewed distributions, knowledge of estimation methods and the ability to compute quantities of interest from the estimated parameters are required. We review estimation methodology that has appeared in the literature, and summarize expressions for inequality, poverty, and pro-poor growth that can be used to compute these measures from GB2 parameter estimates. An application to data from China and Indonesia is provided.
The Effects of Fiscal Policy on Non-Oil Economic Growth
Authors: Hasanov Fakhri , Mammadov Fuad , Al-Musehel Nayef
Published: April 2018

We investigate non-oil sector effects of fiscal policy in Azerbaijan over a long time period in which a recent low oil prices sample is incorporated. To obtain robust empirical findings, we use different test and estimation methods as well as address small-sample bias issues in the extended production function framework. Results show that fiscal policy has a statistically significant positive impact on the non-oil sector both in the long and short run. However, the size of the impact is small compared to the findings of earlier studies due to, we believe, the low oil-price environment and different specifications used. Azerbaijani policymakers should take measures to compensate for the declining share of oil revenues in government revenues. They may consider increasing tax rates, import and export fees, energy and other tariffs as rapid remedies to fill the budget but these measures might hurt economic development. Alternative and less harmful remedies would be optimizing government spending, strongly monitoring ongoing projects, and phasing out social and infrastructure projects, which make lower contributions to growth. Our research opens the way for further investigation of this topic for the oil exporting economies in the future.
Determination of the Relationship between Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors, Physical Fitness, and Risk Factors of Coronary Heart Diseases in University Students
Authors: Ozkan Ali , Turkmen Mutlu , Bozkus Taner , Kul Murat , Soslu Recep , Yasarturk Fatih , Aydin Recep , Oz Umit
Published: April 2018

The purpose of the present study was to determine the relationship between healthy lifestyle behaviors, physical fitness, and coronary risk factors in university students. 320 male and female (nm: 171; nf: 149, respectively) students from a university participated in this study voluntarily. For the determination of body composition and Body Mass Indexes (BMI), subjects’ height, body weight, and skinfold thickness were taken and body fat percentage (% fat) was determined. Healthy lifestyle behaviors were determined using the healthy lifestyle behaviors questionnaire. Indicators of physical fitness included flexibility (sit-up) (F), muscle strength and endurance (isometric knee (KS), back strength (BS) and a total of shuttle (TS), sprint performance, BMI, and body fat percentage (% fat). Coronary heart disease risk factors included mean arterial blood pressure (systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP)), fasting blood levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), hematocrit (HCT), and hemoglobin (HGB). Results indicated subjects have normal body mass index, body fat percentage, SBP, DBP, TG, TCF, BS, and KS. The results of the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis, indicated that SBP, DBP, TG, TCF, BS, and KS for male and female was significantly correlated with flexibility (sit-up) (F), muscle strength and endurance (isometric knee (KS), back strength (BS) and total of shuttle (TS)), sprint performance. (p < 0.01; p < 0.05), In conclusion, the findings of the present study indicated that physical fitness and healthy lifestyle behaviors play a determinant role in coronary heart disease risk factors for male and female students from a university.
Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults from Braşov, Romania
Authors: Bădicu Georgian
Published: April 2018

(1) Background: This study aims to investigate the association between different levels of physical activity (PAL) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a random sample of the adult population; (2) Methods: The study material comprised 1100 adults of the city of Brasov, Romania (700 men, 400 women), aged 30–45 years old. We used the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) to assess PAL and HRQoL, respectively; (3) Results: The differences in the number of respondents in groups assessing their HRQoL differently and PA were statistically significant (p < 0.001), both among men and women. The PAL was shown to be positively correlated with the adult HROoL domains; (4) Conclusions: Our results confirm that the highest PAL values were associated with more favorable scores in HRQoL dimensions among the adult population.
Shielding Effectiveness Analysis and Modification of the Coupling Effect Transmission Line Method on Cavities with Multi-Sided Apertures
Authors: Hu Tao , Chen Dan , Foroughian Farnaz , Ren Lingyu , Chen Xulai , Wei Jinjin
Published: April 2018

Because the traditional transmission line method treats electromagnetic waves as excitation sources and the cavity as a rectangular waveguide whose terminal is shorted, the transmission line method can only calculate shielding effectiveness in the center line of the cavity with apertures on one side. In this paper, the aperture coupling effect of different sides was analyzed based on vector analysis. According to the field intensity distribution of different transport modes in the rectangular waveguide, the calculation model of cavity shielding effectiveness in any position is proposed, which can solve the question of the calculation model of shielding effectiveness in any position in the traditional method of equivalent transmission methods. Further expansion of the equivalent transmission lines model is adopted to study the shielding effectiveness of different aperture cavities, and the coupling effect rule of the incident angle, the number of apertures, and the size of the cavity is obtained, which can provide the technical support for the design of electromagnetic shielding cavities for electronic equipment.
The Biodiesel of Microalgae as a Solution for Diesel Demand in Iran
Authors: Ghorbani Afshin , Rahimpour Mohammad Reza , Ghasemi Younes , Raeissi Sona
Published: April 2018

Among the fossil fuels, diesel has the major share in petroleum product consumption. Diesel demand in Iran has increasingly grown due to the low price of diesel, a high subsidy, and an unsuitable consumption pattern. During 2006–2007, this growth imposed 2.2 billion liters of imports, which were equivalent to 7.5% of diesel production in 2007 and cost about $1.2 billion. Therefore, the government implemented fuel rationing in 2007 and a targeted subsidy law in 2010. These projects have not gained effective control of consumption due to the wide gap between the international diesel price and the domestic price. Diesel import after the implementation of fuel rationing and the targeted subsidy law in 2011 imposed 3.6 billion liters of import and cost about $2.2 billion. Therefore, the government will need fundamental strategies and policies to face and control the negative impact on the economy and the environment. Third generation fuels, biofuels, as another supplementary approach seems to have the capability to reduce the petroleum requirement. This paper investigates the potential of biodiesel as diesel alternative fuel from oil seeds and microalgae in Iran along with evaluating the policy for reducing diesel consumption. Dunaliella salina as an indigenous green microalga isolated from the Maharlu Salt Lake was cultivated in an integration of an airlift system and a raceway pond (IARWP) to prove microalgal potentials in Iran. Additionally, the natural culture medium from the Maharlu Salt Lake was utilized for Dunaliella salina in order to commercialize and reduce cultivation cost. Compared to oilseeds, microalgae because of their high lipid content have much potential to solve a fuel consumption problem. This paper found that only 21 percent of cultivable land is needed to replace the diesel currently consumed in Iran with microalgal biodiesel.
Digestion Performance and Microbial Metabolic Mechanism in Thermophilic and Mesophilic Anaerobic Digesters Exposed to Elevated Loadings of Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste
Authors: Gao Yiming , Kong Xiaoying , Xing Tao , Sun Yongming , Zhang Yi , Luo Xingjian , Sun Yong
Published: April 2018

Mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic digestion reactors (MR and TR) for the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) were tested to reveal the differential microbial responses to increasing organic loading rate (OLR). MR exhibited faster adaptation and better performance at an OLR range of 1.0–2.5 g VS·L−1·d−1, with average profiles of a biogas yield of 0.38 L/gVSadded*d at 0.5 g/L*d OLR and 0.69 L/gVSadded*d at 2.5 g/L*d OLR, whereas TR had a biogas yield of 0.07 L/gVSadded*d at 0.5 g/L*d OLR and 0.44 L/gVSadded*d at 2.5 g/L*d OLR. The pyrosequencing results of amplicons revealed the microbial mechanisms of OFMSW anaerobic digestion. Larger shifts in the bacteria composition were observed in the TR with OLR elevation. For methanogens in both reactors, Methanothrix dominated in the MR while Methanosarcina was favored in the TR. Moreover, analysis of the mode and efficiency of metabolism between the MR and TR demonstrated different performances with more efficiency related to the limiting hydrolytic acid step.
Wide-Area Measurement—Based Model-Free Approach for Online Power System Transient Stability Assessment
Authors: Huang Dan , Chen Qiyu , Ma Shiying , Zhang Yichi , Chen Shuyong
Published: April 2018

Online assessment of transient stability of power systems is critical for avoiding blackout. The increasing installation of phasor measurement units in power systems and the advancement of the wide-area measurement systems make it possible to develop methods for online assessment of power systems by using a large amount of real-time synchronous data. In this paper, we propose an approach based on the largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE) for online transient rotor angle stability assessment, using only wide-area measurement systems data. Through establishing a mathematical model that accounts for the LLE value and the rotor speed, as well as analyzing the post-fault phase-plane trajectory, we present a fast stability criterion to determine whether transient instability occurs. The proposed approach is model-free and does not need long-time LLE data to identify the final sign of the LLE. Furthermore, to reduce computational cost and realize online assessment for large-scale power systems, the critical generator pair (CGP) is recognized as the observation for the rotor angle stability assessment, and an effective algorithm for identifying the CGP is presented. Several case studies on the IEEE-39 bus test system and East China power grid are reported to demonstrate the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Current Signature and Vibration Analyses to Diagnose an In-Service Wind Turbine Drive Train
Authors: Artigao Estefania , Koukoura Sofia , Honrubia-Escribano Andrés , Carroll James , McDonald Alasdair , Gómez-Lázaro Emilio
Published: April 2018

The goal of the present paper is to achieve the diagnosis of an in-service 1.5 MW wind turbine equipped with a doubly-fed induction generator through current signature and vibration analyses. Real data from operating machines have rarely been analysed in the scientific literature through current signature analysis supported by vibrations. The wind turbine under study was originally misdiagnosed by the operator, where a healthy component was replaced and the actual failure continued progressing. The chronological evolution of both the electrical current and vibration spectra is presented to conduct an in-depth tracking of the fault. The diagnosis is achieved through spectral analysis of the stator currents, where fault frequency components related to rotor mechanical unbalance are identified. This is confirmed by the vibration analysis, which provides insightful information on the health of the drive train. These results can be implemented in condition monitoring strategies, which is of great interest to optimise operation and maintenance costs of wind farms.
Antifungal Composite Fibers Based on Cellulose and Betulin
Authors: Makarov Igor , Vinogradov Markel , Gromovykh Tatyana , Lutsenko Sergey , Feldman Nataliya , Shambilova Gulbarshin , Sadykova Vera
Published: April 2018

Composite fibers and films based on cellulose and betulin were spun for the first time from solutions in N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide using the dry–wet jet method. The rheological properties of the composite solutions did not reveal any fundamental difference from those of the cellulose solutions. Introduction of betulin into the cellulose matrix (up to 10%) led to a decrease in the mechanical properties of the obtained fibers. The structure of the composite fibers was analyzed using SEM and X-ray diffraction methods. It was shown that the introduction of an additive into the cellulose matrix led to a decrease in the structural ordering of the cellulose. Comparative studies of the antibacterial activity of the composite films on Escherichia coli (E. coli) were carried out. The antifungal activity of the composite films was estimated using the strain of the O-97 Trichoderma viride Pers ex Fr (Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, Moscow, Russia).
Effect of Fortification with Fish (Pseudophycis bachus) Powder on Nutritional Quality of Durum Wheat Pasta
Authors: Desai Ajay S. , Brennan Margaret A. , Brennan Charles S.
Published: April 2018

This paper investigates the nutraceutical (phenolic content and antioxidant activity) and nutritional potential (protein and starch digestibility) of supplementation of durum wheat semolina with 5–20% fish powder (Pseudophycis bachus). In general, all enriched pasta with fish powder showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in reducing sugar released during an in vitro digestion, and reductions in standardized area under the curve (AUC) values, compared to control pasta. The potentially bioaccessible fraction of pasta enriched with 20% fish powder (FP) was characterized as having a 177–191% increase in phenolic content and a 145–556% higher antiradical activity. Elevation of these parameters in fortified pasta was accompanied by interaction of wheat starch, protein, and fish powder protein. Supplementation of fish powder also influenced protein digestibility (a reduction from 84.60% for control pasta to 80.80% for pasta with 20% fish powder). Fortification improved the nutraceutical and nutritional potential of the studied pasta with the effects depending on factors including protein-starch-phenolic interactions.
Factors Associated with HPV Vaccine Refusal among Young Adult Women after Ten Years of Vaccine Implementation
Authors: Restivo Vincenzo , Costantino Claudio , Fazio Tiziana Francesca , Casuccio Nicolò , D’Angelo Claudio , Vitale Francesco , Casuccio Alessandra
Published: April 2018

In Italy, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination was implemented for twelve years old girls in 2007, but its coverage was lower than the recommended level. Sicily is one of the Italian administrative regions with lower vaccination coverage, with a value of 59% for those born in 1996 increasing to 62% coverage for those born in 1999. The aim of the study was to investigate factors associated with the refusal of HPV vaccination among young adult women of Palermo, Italy. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Policlinico “Paolo Giaccone” Hospital (Palermo 1) and the questionnaire was validated in a convenience sample representing 10% of the young women. A cross-sectional study was conducted through the administration of a telephone questionnaire, consisting of 23 items on HPV infection and vaccination knowledge based on the Health Belief Model framework. The eligible population were young women (18–21 years old) who had at least a vaccination among all included in the Sicilian vaccination schedule, without starting or completing HPV vaccination. Overall, 141 young women were enrolled (response rate 22%). Among them, 84.4% were unvaccinated and 15.6% had at least one dose of the HPV vaccine. In multivariate analysis, the factors associated with the refusal of the HPV vaccination were a bachelor’s as the education level (OR = 10.2, p = 0.041), lower participation at school seminar on HPV (OR = 0.2, p = 0.047) and lower perception of HPV vaccine benefits (OR = 0.4, p = 0.048). Public health educational program focusing and tailored on benefits perception of HPV vaccine and HPV disease severity, carried out at school or during medical visits, can be useful to improve HPV vaccination uptake.
The Impact of Coworkers’ Safety Violations on an Individual Worker: A Social Contagion Effect within the Construction Crew
Authors: Liang Huakang , Lin Ken-Yu , Zhang Shoujian , Su Yikun
Published: April 2018

This research developed and tested a model of the social contagion effect of coworkers’ safety violations on individual workers within construction crews. Both situational and routine safety violations were considered in this model. Empirical data were collected from 345 construction workers in China using a detailed questionnaire. The results showed that both types of safety violations made by coworkers were significantly related to individuals’ perceived social support and production pressure. Individuals’ attitudinal ambivalence toward safety compliance mediated the relationships between perceived social support and production pressure and both types of individuals’ safety violations. However, safety motivation only mediated the effects of perceived social support and production pressure on individuals’ situational safety violations. Further, this research supported the differences between situational and routine safety violations. Specifically, we found that individuals were more likely to imitate coworkers’ routine safety violations than their situational safety violations. Coworkers’ situational safety violations had an indirect effect on individuals’ situational safety violations mainly through perceived social support and safety motivation. By contrast, coworkers’ routine safety violations had an indirect effect on individuals’ routine safety violations mainly through perceived production pressure and attitudinal ambivalence. Finally, the theoretical and practical implications, research limitations, and future directions were discussed.
Patterns of Physical Activity and the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Al-Zoughool Mustafa , Al-Ahmari Haila , Khan Altaf
Published: April 2018

Background: In the current study, we investigated the effect of physical activity (PA) on the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: In total, 146 cases of CHD and 157 matched controls were included in the study. Data on sociodemographics, lifestyle, and medical history factors were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. A standard World Health Organization (WHO)-based lifestyle questionnaire was used to assess PA. The risk of CHD was analyzed in relation to PA patterns using logistic regression. Results: Vigorous-intensity leisure PA was not associated with a lower risk of CHD. Subjects in the highest tertile of moderate occupational PA had a significantly lower risk of CHD compared to the lowest tertile (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.31, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.17–0.56). Subjects in the highest tertile of walking hasd an adjusted OR of 0.37 (95% CI 0.20–0.70). Subjects in the medium and highest tertiles of sedentary behavior had adjusted ORs of 2.01 (95% CI 1.06–3.79) and 3.88 (95% CI 2.14–7.02), respectively (p-value for trend < 0.001). Conclusion: The current results showed that both moderate occupational PA and walking protected against CHD. Sedentary behavior increased the risk of CHD.
Fusing Georeferenced and Stereoscopic Image Data for 3D Building Façade Reconstruction
Authors: Bacharidis Konstantinos , Sarri Froso , Paravolidakis Vasilis , Ragia Lemonia , Zervakis Michalis
Published: April 2018

3D building façade reconstruction has become a very popular topic in various applications related to restoration and preservation of architectural structures as well as urban planning. This paper deals with the reconstruction of realistic 3D models of buildings façades, in the urban environment for cultural heritage. We present an approach that enables the relation of stereoscopic images with tacheometry data. The proposed multimodal fusing scheme results in an accurate 3D realistic façade reconstruction and provides a fast and low cost solution. In the first stage of the proposed approach a 2D skeleton of the building is extracted from the viewed scene using Active Contour and Hough line extraction. The next stage of our method utilizes depth information, extracted from a stereoscopic layout, to infer the structural details of inner façade structures, such as windows or doors. In the final stage, the structural information extracted from the image data is integrated with georeferenced point datasets. The final output of our method is a georeferenced 3D model of the structure’s façade, which can be further refined with the use of image-driven texture information.
Validity of VR Technology on the Smartphone for the Study of Wind Park Soundscapes
Authors: YU Tianhong , Behm Holger , Bill Ralf , Kang Jian
Published: April 2018

The virtual reality of the landscape environment supplies a high level of realism of the real environment, and may improve the public awareness and acceptance of wind park projects. The soundscape around wind parks could have a strong influence on the acceptance and annoyance of wind parks. To explore this VR technology on realism and subjective responses toward different soundscapes of ambient wind parks, three different types of virtual reality on the smartphone tests were performed: aural only, visual only, and aural–visual combined. In total, 21 aural and visual combinations were presented to 40 participants. The aural and visual information used were of near wind park settings and rural spaces. Perceived annoyance levels and realism of the wind park environment were measured. Results indicated that most simulations were rated with relatively strong realism. Perceived realism was strongly correlated with light, color, and vegetation of the simulation. Most wind park landscapes were enthusiastically accepted by the participants. The addition of aural information was found to have a strong impact on whether the participant was annoyed. Furthermore, evaluation of the soundscape on a multidimensional scale revealed the key components influencing the individual’s annoyance by wind parks were the factors of “calmness/relaxation” and “naturality/pleasantness”. “Diversity” of the soundscape might correlate with perceived realism. Finally, the dynamic aural–visual stimuli using virtual reality technology could improve the environmental assessment of the wind park landscapes, and thus, provide a more comprehensible scientific decision than conventional tools. In addition, this study could improve the participatory planning process for more acceptable wind park landscapes.