bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penetapan Pengadilan terhadap Status Anak Li'an dari Perkawinan yang Sah berdasarkan Test Deoksiribo Nuklead Acid
Authors: Usman Rachmadi , Rahmawati Diana
Published: October 2019

Sesuai dengan Putusan Mahkamah Konstitusi Nomor 46/PUU-VIII/2010bertanggal 17 Pebruari 2012, Test Deoksiribo Nuklead Acid (Tes DNA) dapat menjadialat bukti yang autentik untuk mengetahui asal usul benih dari janin yang dikandungoleh isteri yang di-li’an suaminya. Jika terbukti berdasarkan tes DNA,anak li’an itu memang anak dari suami yang me-li’an isterinya, maka upaya pemulihanterhadap status dan hak anak dapat dilakukan melalui proses pengadilan berdasarkanPasal 43 ayat (1) dan Pasal 55 ayat (2) UU No. 1/1974 dan Pasal 103 ayat (2) Kompilasi Hukum Islam. Upaya pemulihan status dan hak anak li’an itu dapat dilakukan melalui penetapan pengadilan berdasarkan bukti tes DNA, jika terbukti anak li’an mempunyai hubungan darah dengan ayahnya, hakim dapat membatalkan pengingkaran anak karena zina (melalui li’an) sebagai dasar mengubah status hukum anak li’an menjadi anaknya yang sah (anak istilhag), yang berakibat pulih kembali hubungan nasab dan keperdataan lainnya dengan ayahnya dan keluarga ayahnya.
Effect of feedstock moisture content on biomass boiler operation
Authors: ORANG NAZ , TRAN HONGHI
Published: October 2019

Burning feedstock with high and constantly varying moisture content is a challenge in the operationof the stoker-grate type biomass boilers in pulp and paper mills. A fundamental study was performed, using a thermogravimetric combustor controlled at different temperatures, to systematically investigate the effect of moisture content on the combustion behavior of several woody biomasses. The results show that combustion occurred through three stages: drying, devolatilization, and char burning. Increasing the moisture content of the sample above 30% significantly increased the drying time and the time to ignition of the sample. Moisture content, however, had only a small effect on the devolatilization rate and virtually no effect on the char burning rate. Furnace temperature had a great effect on combustion. Samples containing 40% moisture could still ignite and burn readily at 800°C, but they took a much longer time to ignite at 500°C and did not ignite at 400°C. These results imply that in biomass boiler operation, the high moisture content in feedstock delays combustion and causes the furnace temperature to decrease. The low temperature, in turn, suppresses combustion, further decreasing the furnace temperature and causing more delay in combustion. This downward spiral will eventually lead to a boiler blackout unless the biomass feed rate is significantly reduced or the auxiliary fuel (natural gas and fuel oil) flow rate cofired in the boiler is increased to keep the furnace temperature high.
Effects of titanium dioxide as direct causticization agent on the pyrolysis and steam gasification characteristics of straw black liquor solid
Authors: WANG GUIJIN , YUAN HONGYOU , GUO DALIANG , ZHOU ZHAOQIU , YIN XIULI , WU CHUANGZHI
Published: October 2019

Black liquor gasification process with direct causticization using titanium dioxide (TiO2) is considered a promising technology for black liquor recovery in the future. In this study, laboratory-scale pyrolysis and steam gasification experiments with direct causticization using TiO2 for straw black liquor solid were performed in a thermogravimetric analyzer and a tube furnace, respectively. Effects of TiO2 on the pyrolysis and steam gasification characteristics are discussed on the basis of product analysis. The results show that after adding TiO2 at temperature higher than 550°C, the direct causticization reactions happened, while the thermogravimetric behavior of the black liquor solid along with releasing pattern of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide was changed. In the presence of TiO2, swelling and agglomeration were prevented during the pyrolysis process. Meanwhile, sodium emission was significantly decreased and the steam gasification rate of the black liquor char at 850°C was substantially improved. The melting process during gasification was suppressed with direct causticization. Moreover, the yield of hydrogen was kept constant while the yields of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide were increased during the steam gasification process with direct causticization.
New challenges regarding nonprocess elements in the liquor and lime cycle
Authors: BIALIK MARTA , JENSEN ANNA , AHLROTH MIKAEL
Published: October 2019

Optimal performance of the green liquor plant, recausticizing plant, and lime cycle is vital for adequate white liquor availability and quality as well as for a mill’s energy efficiency. Recently, various problems in the liquor and lime cycle have been frequently reported by our industrial partners, including poor performance of green liquor filters or sludge filters, decreased filterability of lime mud, increased lime kiln dead load, and poorquality white liquor. Those problems are most likely caused by an accumulation of nonprocess elements in the liquor and lime cycle due to increased mill closure, increased use of biofuels, or both.
Data from the literature and earlier studies have been analyzed with regard to the occurrence and concentration of nonprocess elements in various process streams, including filtered green liquor, green liquor sludge, lime mud, and white liquor. The mineral forms in which nonprocess elements often precipitate were also studied, together with the common knowledge and rules of thumb used by mills for dealing with the problems. The literature data are compared with the newest analytical results from a sampling campaign involving several mills with varying process solutions with respect to nonprocess elements. The consequences and possible recommendations for the mills are presented.
A practical approach to eliminating rapid sodium carbonate - sodium sulfate scaling in black liquor concentrators
Authors: FREDERICK W.J. (JIM) , D. EUHUS DANIEL
Published: October 2019

Black liquor concentrators perform as crystallizers as well as evaporators, producing up to 200 kg of sodium carbonate - sodium sulfate double salt (Na2CO3+Na2SO4) crystals per o.d. metric ton of pulp produced. One of these salts, sodium sulfate dicarbonate, rapidly fouls many concentrators as it crystallizes from solution. Design and operation of black liquor concentrators to manage its crystallization can eliminate or substantially reduce
sodium sulfate dicarbonate scaling. Older equipment installed before sodium sulfate dicarbonate was discovered in 2002 would benefit the most. This paper explores options for reducing rapid sodium sulfate dicarbonate scaling in black liquor concentrators by applying today’s knowledge of sodium sulfate dicarbonate crystallization
characteristics and behavior during crystallizing evaporation.
Reconciling material balances with laboratory test results: The case of the inorganic-to-organic ratio in black liquor
Authors: D. ANDREWS JOHN , G. ALEXANDER ERNEST , W. HART PETER
Published: October 2019

When evaluating the composition of black liquor using material balance techniques that estimate the organics from the wood and the inorganics from the cooking liquor, the solids content of the black liquor is determined to be roughly 1/3 inorganic matter and 2/3 organic matter. When actual laboratory testing using simplified ashing methodologies are performed, the results typically suggest that black liquor solids contain roughly 43%-49% organics and 51%-57% inorganics. We determined that the applied hydroxide and sulfide mineralize carbon and oxygen from the organic portion of the black liquor and convert it to carbonate and sulfate during the cooking and ashing process, thus increasing the apparent inorganic content of the black liquor. This becomes problematic when attempting to estimate total black liquor production using the organics removed during cooking and the inorganic content using results from the ashed black liquor sample. We used Microsoft Excel material balances to develop a conversion factor to correct the laboratory test results. Multiplying the percent ash in the laboratory test by 0.65 to 0.70 provided a more realistic estimate of the initial inorganics to be used along with organics removed in the digester to estimate black liquor production. This conversion factor was determined to be independent of pulp yield and white liquor charge in the digester. The initial white liquor composition, as reported by the ABC test, does have a slight effect on this value.
Lessons learned: Designing the forest biorefinery
Authors: CLERC FRÉDÉRIC , CHAMBOST VIRGINIE , STUART PAUL
Published: October 2019

The objective of this TAPPI JOURNAL (TJ) special feature is to synthesize critical information and take-away messages from the 2013 TAPPI Biorefinery Design Course in Green Bay, WI, USA, based on the presentations made, as well as discussions between participants and experts. The content of this feature was developed based on notes taken during the course; synthesis of critical information; identification of some critical results and figures included here; and identification of key messages that may be useful to TJ readers.
Purification, Characterization and De-Staining Potentials of a Thermotolerant Protease Produced by Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Ja’afaru Mohammed Inuwa , Chimbekujwo Konjerimam Ishaku , Ajunwa Obinna Markraphael
Published: October 2019

Proteases are important industrial enzymes and fungi prove to be good sources of such enzymes. Purification techniques are however necessary for increased specificity in activity and better industrial value. Based on this, a protease produced by a Fusarium oxysporum was purified to homogeneity by Sephadex G-200 column and α–casein agarose chromatography. The enzyme had a molecular weight of 70 kDa in SDS-PAGE. Purified Fusarium oxysporum protease had a specific activity of 93.88 U/mg protein. The purification magnitude was 7.7 and the total yield was 20 %. Purified protease had an optimum pH of 5.0 while the optimum temperature was 40 °C. The enzyme was also thermotolerant (approximately 100 % at 40 °C for 2 h). The enzyme activity was stimulated by surfactants and metal ions like, Tween-20 and Mg2+. Enzyme activity was inhibited in presence of PMSF and EDTA. Casein was found to be the best substrate for protease activity of Fusarium oxysporum FWT1. Protease were tested upon blood stain for de-clotting of blood and was found to exhibit good de-clotting and de-staining activity after 15 minutes treatment time.
Barriers to access maternal health services among urban poor women in Bangladesh: A Case of Rajshahi City
Authors: Banik Bijoy Krishna , Sumon Md Saidur Rashid
Published: October 2019

Bangladesh has made tremendous achievements in the health sector over the last few decades, albeit worse in maternal health (MH) compared to other South Asian countries. The fact that women, particularly poor, have less access to maternal health care (MHC) services is one of the prime reasons. The main objective of this study was to explore what types of barriers poor mothers faced during the service use. A triangulation of method (interviews of service recipients through interview schedule and service providers through checklist, focus group discussion and observation) was used for the collection of primary data (sample 200) from two slum areas in Rajshahi City between March and April, 2013. The study found socio-cultural and organizational barriers to access to MHC services more acute than physical and financial barriers. As suggested, building awareness of bad consequences of early marriage on MH, ensuring a strong coordination among service providing organizations in dispensing free drugs and posting female doctors in study areas are urgently needed for further improvement of MH.

South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.8(1) 2018: 22-31
A Miniature 3D Printed On-Off Linear Pneumatic Actuator and Its Demonstration into a Cartoon Character of a Hopping Lamp
Authors: Nall Christian L. , Bhounsule Pranav A.
Published: October 2019

Although 3D printing has been extensively used to create passive machines and mechanisms, 3D printing of actuators is a relatively new concept. 3D printing of actuators allows greater customization, accelerates the design and development, and consequently saves time and money. We present the design and fabrication of a 3D printed, miniature size, double-acting, On-Off type, linear pneumatic actuator. The actuator has an overall length of 8 cm, a bore size of 1.5 cm, and a stroke length of 2.0 cm. The overall weight is 12 gm and it generates a peak output power of 2 W when operating at an input air pressure of 40 psi ( 275.79 kPa). This paper demonstrates novel methods to solve the challenges that arise during fabrication that include: (1) chemical post-processing to achieve airtight sealing and a smooth surface finish, (2) strategic placement of a metallic part within 3D printed plastic for higher strength, (3) design of an airtight seal between the cylinder and piston head, (4) chemical bonding of printed parts using adhesive, and (5) use of a lubricant to reduce friction and improve force generation. The power-to-weight ratio of our actuator is comparable to that of high-end commercial actuators of similar size. The utility of the actuator is demonstrated in a series of jumping experiments with the actuator and by incorporating the actuator into a hopping robot inspired by Disney/Pixar Luxo lamp. We conclude that 3D printed pneumatic actuators combine the high power of pneumatics with the low weight of plastics, and structural strength through the selective placement of metal parts, thus offering a promising actuator for robotic applications.
Comparison of Different Multivariate Statistical Methods for Screening the Drought Tolerant Genotypes of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum americanum L.) and Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)
Authors: Negarestani Mohammadreza , Tohidi-Nejad Enayatollah , Khajoei-Nejad Gholamreze , Nakhoda Babak , Mohammadi-Nejad Ghasem
Published: October 2019

Drought is the main limiting factor of crops production in major regions of the world. Forage plants such as pearl millet and sorghum are drought tolerant and suitable for arid regions to grow. In this study, for selecting and introducing the best drought tolerant genotypes, seven pearl millet and five sorghum genotypes in three locations (Kerman, Jiroft, and Bardsir in Kerman Province) were studied with different climatic conditions. The experiments were conducted for three consecutive years of cultivation (2016, 2017, and 2018) under regularly irrigated conditions and the 100% (I100, full irrigation) plant water requirement and under water deficiency, (50%) plant water requirement (I50) in two randomized complete block designs in triplicate separately at each location. Eight drought tolerance/susceptibility indices were used. Multivariate factor analysis (FA) and stress tolerance score (STS) methods were employed to compare the most drought tolerant genotypes in each region. The STS method was more efficient and effective than the FA method for detecting the most drought tolerant genotype with any number of used genotypes. Based on the results of drought tolerance indices and STS, the IP13150 and IP13151 genotypes of pearl millet and speed feed genotype of sorghum in Kerman, Jiroft, and Bardsir respectively, were introduced as the most drought tolerant genotypes for three consecutive years of cultivation.
Recovery of 2R.2Sk Triticale-Aegilops kotschyi Robertsonian Chromosome Translocations
Authors: Ulaszewski Waldemar , Belter Jolanta , Wiśniewska Halina , Szymczak Joanna , Skowrońska Roksana , Phillips Dylan , Kwiatek Michał T.
Published: October 2019

Robertsonian translocations (RobTs) in the progeny of triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) plants with monosomic substitution of Aegilops kotschyi chromosome 2Sk (2R) were investigated by fluorescence in-situ hybridization. Chromosome 2Sk of Ae. kotschyi is reported to possess many valuable loci, such as Lr54 + Yr37 leaf and stripe (yellow) rust resistance genes. We used a standard procedure to produce RobTs, which consisted of self-pollination of monosomic triticale plants, carrying 2R and 2Sk chromosomes in monosomic condition. This approach did not result in RobTs. Simultaneously, we succeeded in producing 11 plants carrying 2R.2Sk compensatory RobTs using an alternative approach that utilized ditelosomic lines of triticale carrying 2RS (short arm) and 2RL (long arm) telosomic chromosomes. Identification of molecular markers linked to Lr54 + Yr37 genes in the translocation plants confirmed that these resources can be exploited in current triticale breeding programmes.
Analysis of the Antimicrobial Market in Pakistan: Is It Really Necessary Such a Vast Offering of “Watch” Antimicrobials?
Authors: Malik Farrukh , Figueras Albert
Published: October 2019

Understanding antimicrobials (AM) on offer in a pharmaceutical market, with a particular reference to drugs categorized as “Watch” active ingredients, is one of the important first steps to prevent their potentially inappropriate use. The March 2019 data of all AM containing registered brands and presentations currently being sold in the country for the J01 Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) subgroup from IQVIA Pakistan was used. Each AM was categorized as “Access,” “Watch,” or “Reserve,” according to the WHO AWaRe classification. There were 59 single chemical entities and 14 combinations with 1869 brands and 4648 presentations. The WHO Essential Medicines List included 35 J01 AM while an additional 38 single and combination AM with 425 brands and 977 presentations were present in the country. Looking at the whole list of marketed AM, 8 of the 10 AM with more than 60 brands were classified as “Watch”, offering 962 brands and 2418 presentations. Most AM marketed in Pakistan, of which there are an excessive number of brands, belong to the “Watch” AWaRe category. The higher the number of brands, the higher the marketing pressure on prescribers and pharmacists will be which implies more potential confusion. One vital step to rationalize the use of AM lies in reviewing their market offer.
The SOD Mimic MnTnHex-2-PyP5+ Reduces the Viability and Migration of 786-O Human Renal Cancer Cells
Authors: Costa João G. , Saraiva Nuno , Batinic-Haberle Ines , Castro Matilde , Oliveira Nuno G. , Fernandes Ana S.
Published: October 2019

Clear-cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common type of renal cancer. The importance of oxidative stress in the context of this disease has been described, although there is only little information concerning the role of superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes. The importance of SOD in different pathological conditions promoted the development of SOD mimics (SODm). As such, manganese(III) porphyrins can mimic the natural SOD enzymes and scavenge different reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus modulating the cellular redox status. In this study, the exposure of 786-O human renal cancer cells to MnTnHex-2-PyP5+ (MnP), a very promising SODm, led to a concentration and time-dependent decrease in cell viability and in the cell proliferation indices, as well as to an increase in apoptosis. No relevant effects in terms of micronuclei formation were observed. Moreover, the exposure to MnP resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in intracellular ROS, presumably due to the generation of H2O2 by the inherent redox mechanisms of MnP, along with the limited ability of cancer cells to detoxify this species. Although the MnP treatment did not result in a reduction in the collective cell migration, a significant decrease in chemotactic migration was observed. Overall, these results suggest that MnP has a beneficial impact on reducing renal cancer cell viability and migration and warrant further studies regarding SODm-based therapeutic strategies against human renal cancer.
Ultrasonic Transducer Array Performance for Improved Cleaning of Pipelines in Marine and Freshwater Applications
Authors: Lais Habiba , Lowe Premesh S. , Wrobel Luiz C. , Gan Tat-Hean
Published: October 2019

Fouling accumulation in pipelines is a well-known problem in industry across various applications. The build-up of fouling within a pipe can reach a detrimental state, leading to pipe blockages that, in turn, result in pipe bursts. As pipelines transport fluid up to hundreds of meters, a method to prevent and remove fouling at long distances is required to support an engineering structure without the requirement of halts for maintenance to be carried out. Underwater pipelines are currently deployed which must ensure that pipelines carrying crude oil do not reach a detrimental state which leads to pipe leaks or pipe bursts, resulting in a discharge of oil into the surrounding water. This work discusses an optimized ultrasonic cleaning transducer array which undergoes marinization. The marinized transducers are characterized for impedance and wave propagation across a fouled 6.2 m long, Schedule 40, 6-inch diameter carbon steel pipe. This study has shown that the addition of marinized material dampens the vibrational output from the High-Power Ultrasonic Transducer (HPUT) configuration. This reduction in vibration is most significant when the structure is filled with water, resulting in a marinized HPUT configuration dropping by up to 85% and a non-marinized HPUT configuration dropping by up to 80%.
Characteristics of Ordinary Portland Cement Using the New Colloidal Nano-Silica Mixing Method
Authors: Kim Taewan , Hong Sungnam , Seo Ki-Young , Kang Choonghyun
Published: October 2019

This study applies a new method of mixing colloidal nano-silica (CNS). Previous studies have used powdered nano-silica or colloidal nano-silica and applied a binder weight substitution method. In this study, we tried to use ordinary Portland cement (OPC) as a binder and replace CNS with weight of mixing water. CNS was replaced by 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% of the mixing water weight. The flow value, setting time, compressive strength, hydration reactant (X-ray diffractometer; XRD), pore structure (mercury intrusion porosimetry; MIP), thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis were performed. Experimental results show that the new substitution method improves the mechanical and microstructural properties through two effects. One is that the weight substitution of the mixing water shows a homogeneous dispersion effect of the nano-silica particles. The other is the effect of decreasing the w/b ratio when the CNS is substituted because the CNS is more dense than the mixing water. Therefore, we confirmed the applicability of mixing water weight replacement method as a new method of mixing CNS.
Research on Snow Load Characteristics on a Complex Long-Span Roof Based on Snow–Wind Tunnel Tests
Authors: Zhang Guolong , Zhang Qingwen , Fan Feng , Shen Shizhao
Published: October 2019

A considerable number of studies have been carried out for predicting snowdrifts on roofs over the years. However, few studies have focused on snowdrifts on complex long-span roofs, as the complex shape and fine structure pose significant challenges. In this study, to simplify the calculation requirements of snow load on such roofs, work was conducted to decompose the snowdrift on a complex roof into snowdrifts on several simple roofs. First, the snow–wind tunnel test similarity criteria were investigated based on a combined air–snow–wind experimental system. Thereafter, with reference to the validated experimental similarity criteria, a series of snow–wind tunnel tests were performed for snowdrifts on a complex long-span structure under the conditions of different inflow directions. Finally, based on empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis, the snowdrifts on the complex roof were decomposed into basic characteristic distribution modes, including snowdrifts caused by the local and overall roof forms. The snow distribution under a specific inflow direction could be derived from the weighted combination of the basic characteristic modes, based on the wind direction coefficients. Therefore, it is possible for the snow load on a complex roof to be estimated preliminarily based on the snow distributions on several simple roofs.
3D Numerical Simulation of Rock Cutting of an Innovative Non-Planar Face PDC Cutter and Experimental Verification
Authors: Liu Jianxun , Zheng Hualin , Kuang Yuchun , Xie Han , Qin Chao
Published: October 2019

The low rock breaking efficiency of conventional polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bits in hard abrasive formations prompts the development of PDC cutting elements from the planar structure to the non-planar structure. As an innovative non-planar cutter, the design and research of the three-ridged diamond element (3-RDE) cutter is still in its infancy, and its rock breaking mechanism and laws are not yet clear. In this paper, a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model of dynamic rock breaking with 3-RDE cutter has been established. The accuracy of the numerical model was verified by experimental data. Then, the difference of rock breaking mechanism between 3-RDE cutter and conventional cutter was studied. The effects of back-rake angle, cutting depth, rotational angle, and rock properties on rock breaking efficiency were also analyzed. The results show that, unlike the conventional PDC shear rock breaking cutter, the 3-RDE cutter breaks rock mainly by crushing and shearing, and the rock breaking efficiency is higher. A small back-rake angle and reasonable cutting depth contribute to improving the rock breaking efficiency; the existence of rotational angle is not conductive to the rock breaking. The field application shows that compared with the conventional cutter, the 3-RDE cutter is easier to penetrate into the formation, and is more stable with less torque required. The research results can be of benefit to the design and manufacture of 3-RDE PDC bits.
Laser Induced Nano and Micro Structures of Molybdenum Surface Applied in Multistage Depressed Collector for Secondary Electron Suppression
Authors: Wang Jie , Gao Yong , You Zhiming , Fan Jiakun , Zhang Jing , Wang Sheng , Xu Zhanglian
Published: October 2019

The laser processing molybdenum metal surface method was first proposed to enhance the efficiency of multistage depressed collectors (MDCs). In this study, the secondary electron yield (SEY), surface geometrical morphologies and chemical states of laser processed Mo metal samples were characterized. For the first time, the effects of laser parameters and incident angle of primary electrons on the SEY property of laser induced nano and micro structures of molybdenum surface were investigated. The influence rule of laser processing patterns, power, pitch spacing, scanning speed on surface morphologies and SEY were systematically explored. A maximum SEY of laser processed Mo metal less than one was achieved. The Mo 3d and O 1s core level spectra of Mo metal before and after laser processing were analyzed in this study. Furthermore, the corresponding oxidation states of Mo as well as the relative distribution were elucidated.
Sunlight-Driven Photothermal Effect of Composite Eggshell Membrane Coated with Graphene Oxide and Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Ling , Tang Bin , Zhou Ji , Zhao Hai , Chen Wu , Wang Jinfeng
Published: October 2019

Eggshell membrane (ESM), which consists of unique interwoven shell membrane fibers, provides a unique supporting platform for functional nanoparticles in catalysis and sensing. This work reports a novel strategy for fabricating sunlight-driven photothermal conversion composite membranes by loading graphene oxide (GO) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the three-dimension (3D) network structured eggshell membrane. Surface morphologies and chemical elements were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. High photothermal conversion under simulated sunlight irradiation, which may be caused by the synergistic effect of GO and AuNPs, was achieved by coating both GO and AuNPs onto ESM. The temperature of ESM modified with AuNPs, and then GO increased from 26.0 °C to 49.0 °C after 10 min of light irradiation. Furthermore, the nanoscaled GO and AuNPs could add benefit to the heating localization of the obtained composite membrane. It is expected this biocompatible ESM modified with GO and AuNPs would have great potential in drug release and photothermal therapy applications.
Multi-objective Optimization of Accommodation Capacity for Distributed Generation Based on Mixed Strategy Nash Equilibrium, Considering Distribution Network Flexibility
Authors: Liu Weisheng , Wu Jian , Wang Fei , Huang Yixin , Dai Qiongdan , Yang Li
Published: October 2019

The increasing penetration of distributed generation (DG) brings about great fluctuation and uncertainty in distribution networks. In order to improve the ability of distribution networks to cope with disturbances caused by uncertainties and to evaluate the maximum accommodation capacity of DG, a multi-objective programming method for evaluation of the accommodation capacity of distribution networks for DG is proposed, considering the flexibility of distribution networks in this paper. Firstly, a multi-objective optimization model for determining the maximum accommodation of DG by considering the flexibility of distribution networks is constructed, aiming at maximizing the daily energy consumption, minimizing the voltage amplitude deviation, and maximizing the line capacity margin. Secondly, the comprehensive learning particle swarm optimization (CLPSO) algorithm is used to solve the multi-objective optimization model. Then, the mixed strategy Nash equilibrium is introduced to obtain the frontier solution with the optimal joint equilibrium value in the Pareto solution set. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated with an actual distribution network in China. The simulation results show that the proposed planning method can effectively find the Pareto optimal solution set by considering multiple objectives, and can obtain the optimal equilibrium solution for DG accommodation capacity and distribution network flexibility.
A Parametric Method for Remapping and Calibrating Fisheye Images for Glare Analysis
Authors: Wagdy Ayman , Garcia-Hansen Veronica , Isoardi Gillian , Pham Kieu
Published: October 2019

High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging using a fisheye lens has provided new opportunities to evaluate the luminous environment in visual comfort research. For glare analysis, strict calibration is necessary to extract accurate luminous maps to achieve reliable glare results. Most studies have focused on correcting the vignetting effect in HDR imaging during post-calibration. However, the lens projection also contributes to luminous map errors because of its inherent distortion. To date, there is no simple method to correct this distortion phenomenon for glare analysis. This paper presents a parametric-based methodology to correct the projection distortion from fisheye lenses for the specific use in glare analysis. HDR images were captured to examine two devices: a 190° equisolid SIGMA 8 mm F3.5 EX DG fisheye lens mounted on a Canon 5D camera, and a 195° fisheye commercial lens with an unknown projection, mounted on the rear camera of a Samsung Galaxy S7. A mathematical and geometrical model was developed to remap each pixel to correct the projection distortion using Grasshopper and MATLAB. The parametric-based method was validated using Radiance and MATLAB through checking the accuracy of pixel remapping and measuring color distortion with Structural Similarity Index (SSIM). Glare scores were used to compare the results between both devices, which validates the use of mobile phones in photometric research. The results showed that this method can be used to correct HDR images projection distortion for more accurate evaluation of the luminous environment in glare research.
Folate Receptor-Targeted Albumin Nanoparticles Based on Microfluidic Technology to Deliver Cabazitaxel
Authors: Meng Fanchao , Sun Yating , Lee Robert J. , Wang Guiyuan , Zheng Xiaolong , Zhang Huan , Fu Yige , Yan Guojun , Wang Yifan , Deng Weiye , Parks Emily , Kim Betty Y.S. , Yang Zhaogang , Jiang Wen , Teng Lesheng
Published: October 2019

Microfluidic technology (MF) has improved the formulation of nanoparticles (NPs) by achieving uniform particle size distribution, controllable particle size, and consistency. Moreover, because liquid mixing can be precisely controlled in the pores of the microfluidic chip, maintaining high mixing efficiency, MF exerts higher of NP encapsulation efficiency (EE) than conventional methods. MF-NPs-cabazitaxel (CTX) particles (MF-NPs-CTX) were first prepared by encapsulating CTX according to MF. Folate (FA)- Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-NPs-CTX particles (FA-PEG-NPs-CTX) were formulated by connecting FA to MF-NPs-CTX to endow NPs with targeted delivery capability. Accordingly, the mean particle size of FA-PEG-NPs-CTX increased by approximately 25 nm, as compared with MF-NPs-CTX. Upon morphological observation of FA-PEG-NPs-CTX and MF-NPs-CTX by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), all NPs were spherical and particle size distribution was uniform. Moreover, the increased delivery efficiency of CTX in vitro and its strong tumor inhibition in vivo indicated that FA-PEG-NPs-CTX had a powerful tumor-suppressive effect both in vitro and in vivo. In vivo imaging and pharmacokinetic data confirmed that FA-PEG-NPs-CTX had good drug delivery efficiency. Taken together, FA-PEG-NPs-CTX particles prepared using MF showed high efficient and targeted drug delivery and may have a considerable driving effect on the clinical application of targeting albumin NPs.
Proteomic Biomarkers for the Detection of Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Njoku Kelechi , Chiasserini Davide , Whetton Anthony D. , Crosbie Emma J.
Published: October 2019

Endometrial cancer is the leading gynaecological malignancy in the western world and its incidence is rising in tandem with the global epidemic of obesity. Early diagnosis is key to improving survival, which at 5 years is less than 20% in advanced disease and over 90% in early-stage disease. As yet, there are no validated biological markers for its early detection. Advances in high-throughput technologies and machine learning techniques now offer unique and promising perspectives for biomarker discovery, especially through the integration of genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic and imaging data. Because the proteome closely mirrors the dynamic state of cells, tissues and organisms, proteomics has great potential to deliver clinically relevant biomarkers for cancer diagnosis. In this review, we present the current progress in endometrial cancer diagnostic biomarker discovery using proteomics. We describe the various mass spectrometry-based approaches and highlight the challenges inherent in biomarker discovery studies. We suggest novel strategies for endometrial cancer detection exploiting biologically important protein biomarkers and set the scene for future directions in endometrial cancer biomarker research.
FOXC1 Regulation of miR-31-5p Confers Oxaliplatin Resistance by Targeting LATS2 in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hsu Hsi-Hsien , Kuo Wei-Wen , Shih Hui-Nung , Cheng Sue-Fei , Yang Ching-Kuo , Chen Ming-Cheng , Tu Chuan-Chou , Viswanadha Vijaya Padma , Liao Po-Hsiang , Huang Chih-Yang
Published: October 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related illness worldwide and one of the most common malignancies. Therefore, colorectal cancer research and cases have gained increasing attention. Oxaliplatin (OXA) is currently used in first-line chemotherapy to treat stage III and stage IV metastatic CRC. However, patients undergoing chemotherapy often develop resistance to chemo drugs being used. Evidence has confirmed that microRNAs regulate downstream genes in cancer biology and thereby have roles related to tumor growth, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and multi-drug resistance. The aim of our study is to establish whether miR-31-5p is an oncogene in human colorectal cancers that are resistant to OXA and further confirm its malignant phenotype-associated target molecule. From the results of miRNA microarray assay, we establish that miR-31-5p expression was upregulated in oxaliplatin-resistant (OR)-LoVo cells compared with parental LoVo cells. Moreover, through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we demonstrate that miR-31-5p and large tumor suppressor kinase 2 (LATS2) were inversely related and that miR-31-5p and Forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) were positively correlated in the same LoVo or OR-LoVo cells. Importantly, we reveal a novel drug-resistance mechanism in which the transcription factor FOXC1 binds to the miR-31 promoter to increase the expression of miR31-5p and regulate LATS2 expression, resulting in cancer cell resistance to OXA. These results suggest that miR-31-5p may be a novel biomarker involved in drug resistance progression in CRC patients. Moreover, the FOXC1/miR31-5p/LATS2 drug-resistance mechanism provides new treatment strategies for CRC in clinical trials.
Therapeutic Challenges for Cisplatin-Resistant Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: De Giorgi Ugo , Casadei Chiara , Bergamini Alice , Attademo Laura , Cormio Gennaro , Lorusso Domenica , Pignata Sandro , Mangili Giorgia
Published: October 2019

The majority of patients with advanced ovarian germ cell cancer are treated by cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Despite adequate first-line treatment, nearly one third of patients relapse and almost half develop cisplatin-resistant disease, which is often fatal. The treatment of cisplatin-resistant disease is challenging and prognosis remains poor. There are limited data on the efficacy of specific chemotherapeutic regimens, high-dose chemotherapy with autologous progenitor cell support and targeted therapies. The inclusion of patients in clinical trials is strongly recommended, especially in clinical trials on the most frequent male germ cell tumors, to offer wider therapeutic opportunities. Here, we provide an overview of current and potential new treatment options including combination chemotherapy, high-dose chemotherapy and molecular targeted therapies, for patients with cisplatin-resistant ovarian germ cell tumors.
Role of Social Media as a Soft Power Tool in Raising Public Awareness and Engagement in Addressing Climate Change
Authors: Mavrodieva Aleksandrina V. , Rachman Okky K. , Harahap Vito B. , Shaw Rajib
Published: October 2019

Climate change has been one of the most debated topics in the past few decades, but a number of challenges have hindered the development of robust policies and strategies by nations. At the same time, social media platforms—such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook—have given the opportunity for the general public to share opinions and engage with the issue of climate change like never before. This phenomenon is considered to be a new form of soft power which can provide input into the discussion and possibly affect the current international political mechanisms. The present paper aims to (1) define the forms and characteristics of social media as a soft power method, (2) analyze its influence on the awareness of societies, and (3) assess if increased public awareness could influence the official political and policy processes. In order to assess if social media has influence on people’s relative awareness, we have focused on analyzing the links between a few highly visible climate change related events and the trends in people’s searches on the Internet in connection to those events. The study finds that even though it is difficult to assess the effects of social media as a soft power tool with certainty, there are visible links between social media and changing public perceptions, with the possibility of public opinion influencing political decision-making.
A Pancreatic Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor with Spontaneous Remission: A Case Report with a Literature Review
Authors: Matsubayashi Hiroyuki , Uesaka Katsuhiko , Sasaki Keiko , Shimada Seitaro , Takada Kazunori , Ishiwatari Hirotoshi , Ono Hiroyuki
Published: October 2019

The inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare tumor that can develop in any systemic organ. Its features are generally benign, but it often resembles malignancies and is treated surgically. Our patient was an 82-year-old female complaining of abdominal discomfort. Computed tomography demonstrated a 5 cm, ill-enhanced mass at the pancreas head. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a duodenal submucosal tumor with apical erosion. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) demonstrated a heterogeneous, low-echoic pancreas mass without clear margins. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) demonstrated spindle myofibroblastic tissues with lymphoplasmacyte and eosinophil infiltration, confirming an IMT diagnosis. Surprisingly, the tumor spontaneously regressed in one month without medication. Histological diagnosis using EUS-FNAB is essential for the rare pancreatic solid tumor like IMT.
Performance Improvement of Underwater Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution via Photon Subtraction
Authors: Peng Qingquan , Chen Guojun , Li Xuan , Liao Qin , Guo Ying
Published: October 2019

Considering the ocean water’s optical attenuation is significantly larger than that of Fiber Channel, we propose an approach to enhance the security of underwater continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD). In particular, the photon subtraction operation is performed at the emitter to enhance quantum entanglement, thereby improving the underwater transmission performance of the CVQKD. Simulation results show that the photon subtraction operation can effectively improve the performance of CVQKD in terms of underwater transmission distance. We also compare the performance of the proposed protocol in different water qualities, which shows the advantage of our protocol against water deterioration. Therefore, we provide a suitable scheme for establishing secure communication between submarine and submarine vehicles.
Secured by Fluctuating Topology Using the Fluctuating Topology of MANETs to Secure Key Exchange
Authors: Stulman Ariel , Stulman Alan
Published: October 2019

vanets, iot, and many other acronyms represent exciting new technologies that build upon pervasive computation and communications to achieve their goal. As an underlying communication model, the (mobile) ad hoc network (manet) paradigm is used, which implements a peer-to-peer communication model rather than the more traditional infrastructure model. Of course, privacy, confidentiality, integrity, and security related issues are of utter importance in such contexts as well. In this paper, we wish to present a key exchange technique, which builds upon the inherent characteristic of manets: their fluctuating topology. By splitting key exchange information into multiple parts and spraying them over space or time, the ever-changing topology of the network almost completely removes an active attacker’s success ratio. Algorithms are then simulated, and the results presented and discussed. We further point to future directions and uses for this research.
Switching Loss Balancing Technique for Modular Multilevel Converters Operated by Model Predictive Control Method
Authors: Nguyen Minh Hoang , Kwak Sang-Shin
Published: October 2019

The sorting algorithm is the most widely accepted capacitor voltage balancing strategy for a modular multilevel converter. This strategy offers to keep the balance among submodule capacitor voltages under all of the modular multilevel converter working conditions. However, this method generates unnecessary switching transitions in submodules, which results in high switching frequency and switching loss, and uneven distribution of switching transitions and switching loss among submodules (SMs). In this paper, a simplified switching loss balancing control strategy was proposed in order to handle these issues. The proposed approach adjusted the submodule selection process of the sorting algorithm by taking into consideration the number of switching transitions in addition to the capacitor voltages. Even distribution of switching transitions and switching loss was achieved, and the average switching loss was reduced at the cost of slightly increasing the capacitor voltage fluctuations. The effectiveness of the proposed approach was verified through both simulation and experimental results.
Unsupervised Monocular Depth Estimation Based on Residual Neural Network of Coarse–Refined Feature Extractions for Drone
Authors: Huang Tao , Zhao Shuanfeng , Geng Longlong , Xu Qian
Published: October 2019

To take full advantage of the information of images captured by drones and given that most existing monocular depth estimation methods based on supervised learning require vast quantities of corresponding ground truth depth data for training, the model of unsupervised monocular depth estimation based on residual neural network of coarse–refined feature extractions for drone is therefore proposed. As a virtual camera is introduced through a deep residual convolution neural network based on coarse–refined feature extractions inspired by the principle of binocular depth estimation, the unsupervised monocular depth estimation has become an image reconstruction problem. To improve the performance of our model for monocular depth estimation, the following innovations are proposed. First, the pyramid processing for input image is proposed to build the topological relationship between the resolution of input image and the depth of input image, which can improve the sensitivity of depth information from a single image and reduce the impact of input image resolution on depth estimation. Second, the residual neural network of coarse–refined feature extractions for corresponding image reconstruction is designed to improve the accuracy of feature extraction and solve the contradiction between the calculation time and the numbers of network layers. In addition, to predict high detail output depth maps, the long skip connections between corresponding layers in the neural network of coarse feature extractions and deconvolution neural network of refined feature extractions are designed. Third, the loss of corresponding image reconstruction based on the structural similarity index (SSIM), the loss of approximate disparity smoothness and the loss of depth map are united as a novel training loss to better train our model. The experimental results show that our model has superior performance on the KITTI dataset composed by corresponding left view and right view and Make3D dataset composed by image and corresponding ground truth depth map compared to the state-of-the-art monocular depth estimation methods and basically meet the requirements for depth information of images captured by drones when our model is trained on KITTI.
A Comprehensive Comparison of EMI Immunity in CMOS Amplifier Topologies
Authors: Becchetti Simone , Richelli Anna , Colalongo Luigi , Kovacs-Vajna Zsolt
Published: October 2019

This paper provides the results of a comprehensive comparison between complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) amplifiers with low susceptibility to electromagnetic interference (EMI). They represent the state-of-the-art in low EMI susceptibility design. An exhaustive scenario for EMI pollution has been considered: the injected interference can indeed directly reach the amplifier pins or can be coupled from the printed circuit board (PCB) ground. This is also a key point for evaluating the susceptibility from EMI coupled to the output pin. All of the amplifiers are re-designed in a United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) 180 nm CMOS process in order to have a fair comparison. The topologies investigated and compared are basically derived from the Miller and the folded cascode ones, which are well-known and widely used by CMOS analog designers.