bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect Of Maintenance System And Simulator Pilots On Aviation Safety In Airlines
Authors: Rahmawati S. D. , Maulida S. J. R. , Rafi S. , Ratnasari Devi
Published: July 2020

Safety and security are a priority in an aviation industry that is very mindful because it is crucial. In order to achieve that virtue, there are some things that must be noticed by the airline in supporting safety and security is the maintenance system which pays attention to the profanation of an aircraft to operate and A pilot simulator to prepare physical and mental pilot readiness in all natural situations and conditions while minimizing the risk of falling planes, two factors affecting the pilot’s performance in operating the aircraft Will reduce the accident rate significantly and can improve the pilot’s ability to deal with problems in the field through certain simulations related to these problems. This research aims to study flight readiness in terms of feasibility control by maintenance system and pilot readiness in the face of emergencies and decision making in crucial situation. This research uses a regression method whereby the data retrieval technique uses the questionnaire with the target of the pilot respondent of the airline Garuda Indonesia. The result of analysis Acquired linear equation multiple regression Y = 0.754+0.383X1+0.398X2, R is obtained at 0.518.
Preliminary investigation of Industry 4.0 readiness among small and medium aviation companies in Malaysia
Authors: Ghafar N H , Harun K , Lailawati M S , Rahman N A A
Published: July 2020

In recent years, the wave of Industry 4.0 is seen to encroach into the Malaysian aviation industry especially among major aviation companies. However, the Industry 4.0 readiness among small and medium aviation companies is virtually unknown. This study aimed to conduct a preliminary investigation on the Industry 4.0’s readiness level among small and medium aviation companies. Multiple case study has been conducted over 4 aviation companies (1 chartered airlines, and 3 maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) companies) operating in Malaysia. Data was collected using qualitative interview with managers of the respective companies and analysed using content analysis. Finding shows that the Industry 4.0 readiness status of small and medium aviation companies are still at the embryonic stage. The practical implication of this study contributes to the understanding of rising need for government agencies’ supports to assist the small and medium aviation companies particularly in overcoming the Industry 4.0 implementation challenges. The purposive sampling and the small number of samples limit the generalizability of the findings. Hence, full fledge empirical study is suggested to be conducted to facilitate the generalization to the whole aviation population.
Metrological characterization of MEMS accelerometers by LDV
Authors: D’Emilia Giulio , Gaspari Antonella , Mazzoleni Fabrizio , Natale Emanuela , Prato Andrea , Schiavi Alessandro
Published: July 2020

In this work two calibration methodologies, able to characterize the digital sensitivity of MEMS accelerometers, are presented and compared, to identify the contributions for the evaluation of the reproducibility in the low frequency range. The methodologies are different from the point of view of test bench, test procedure and data processing method. In particular, different vibration actuators are used, a linear slide and an electro-dynamic shaker, different sensors as a reference for the calibration, piezoelectric accelerometers and a Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV). A group of 5 accelerometers is tested for the purpose of developing the calibration techniques and evaluate a first reproducibility estimate. The experimental results provided by the two calibration procedures show significant differences. Some elements that could explain these differences have been identified, and will be further investigated in future work.
Measurement uncertainty estimation of gap and profile in the automotive sector
Authors: D’Emilia G , Gaspari A , Iavicoli C , Natale E
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a methodology is described aiming at assessing the variability causes, affecting the measurement instruments typically used in the automotive sector for the analysis of dimensional defects of coupled components, to check the conformity of the width of the gap between two adjacent parts and the profile, i.e. the alignment of the two surfaces. The inspection may be performed by means of different gap/flush tools, such as feeler gages, calipers and Laser scanner devices; depending on the choice, a different measurand has to be considered. The obtained measurements need to be consistent, because these devices are used indistinctly, depending on the severity of the control and on the typology of the control itself. The paper proposes a methodology to verify the metrological conformity of measurements provided by both traditional and laser-based instruments, so that it is possible to interpret them in an interchanging manner. A 3D geometric model is realized, used as a basis for the analysis of the most influencing uncertainty causes and measurement biases. The methodology will demonstrate to be able to identify and evaluate in a parametric way, the typical variability causes of the instruments considered. It will also highlight possible improvements in the integration of the obtained results.
Numerical performance assessment of a novel Darrieus-style VAWT with auxiliary straight blades
Authors: Arpino F. , Cortellessa G. , Massarotti N. , Mauro A. , Scungio M.
Published: July 2020

Domestic Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT) are able to operate also when the wind speed is low and can be installed in the open spaces of housing areas. The Darrieus turbine is the most promising since it is characterized by higher efficiency, even if for applications at higher wind speeds with respect to Savonius VAWTs. Several researchers try to optimize the aerodynamics of the Darrieus rotors, allowing wind turbines to start rotation even in the presence of low wind speeds. In this paper the authors propose a numerical investigation of the flow field around a 1:4 scaled model of a pair of blades installed on an innovative Darrieus-type VAWT. A Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes-based CFD model was validated on the basis of the wind tunnel data, and the scaled turbine performance was analysed by numerically evaluating the effect of different geometric configurations and rotation angles on the turbine torque coefficients. The results of the simulations confirmed the capabilities of the proposed configuration to give valuable performance even for low wind speeds.
Temporal Analysis of Radiocesium Concentration in Sewage Sludge after Fukushima Daichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident
Authors: Faturrohman M A , Pratama M A , Moersidik S S
Published: July 2020

Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident in April 2011 had released radioactive substances to the environment. Radiocesium transported from the urban area to the sewerage system by transfer wash-off mechanism. Eventually, radiocesium accumulated in the sludge produced by the wastewater treatment plant. This study was aimed to evaluate the possibility of using the time-series of Radiocesium concentrations in sewage sludge to quantify the wash off rate of the radionuclide on the surface of an urban area. This study used monitoring data from four WWTPs in Fukushima Prefecture and daily concentrations of Radiocesium in their sewer sludge over 8 years were collected. The results show time-dependent of Radiocesium concentration in sludge fitted with double exponential regression which means there are two rates: rapid rate (22 – 36 months) and slow rate (123 – 213 months). Values of the model parameters based on temporal analysis of radiocesium concentrations in sewage sludge are consistent with radiocesium wash off after the Chernobyl accident indicating that the decreasing rate of radiocesium concentrations in sewage sludge reflect the wash off rates on the surface of the corresponding urban area.
Analysis of Supply and Demand Situation of Low Carbon Energy in China Based on Grey System Neural Network
Authors: Xi Jing
Published: July 2020

At present, with the rapid development of the world economy, the demand for energy and resources is increasing day by day. Resource scarcity and environmental deterioration have become important issues facing the world. The energy development mode based on traditional fossil energy cannot support the rapid economic development of our country, which makes the energy transformation of our country imperative. In this paper, the grey GM (1, 1) model and artificial neural network are combined to modify the prediction results of GM (1, 1) model. In order to make GM(1, 1) model have higher prediction accuracy in medium and long-term prediction, partial data GM(1, 1) model groups are respectively established by using partial data sequences of original data, and the nonlinear mapping relationship between fitting values and original data is calculated by establishing this partial GM(1, 1) model groups by using BP neural network. The calculation results show that the prediction method is reliable and has high prediction accuracy.
Network Pharmacology Analysis of Anticonvulsant Effect of Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Authors: Kong Weikaixin , Huang Weiran , Huang Zhuo , Xie Zhengwei
Published: July 2020

Epilepsy is the second largest disease after headache in the neurology department of the hospital. Previous studies have shown that Xiao Chai Hu Tang (XCHT) has a certain therapeutic effect on epilepsy. We used the gene expression array data of epilepsy patients, and the relevant data of the Chinese medicine components in the TCMSP database and DrugBank database, combined with bioinformatics analysis methods, to construct herbs-compounds-targets (HCT) network and protein-protein interaction (PPI) core network of XCHT. The result suggests that Caveolin 1 (CAV1) may be a key target in the treatment of epilepsy, and β-carotene may have potential antiepileptic activity. In addition, the PPI core function network is enriched in the process of transcription factor regulation, and the related protein is located on the nuclear chromosome and closely related to the immune process, which provides a reference for other researchers.
Research on Construction Method of Urban Simulated Rainfall Station Based on Sina Weibo Geographical Location Data
Authors: Penglin LI , Zening WU , Wang Huiliang
Published: July 2020

In recent years, with the continuous improvement of the level of urbanization, the phenomenon of urban infighting has intensified. At present, urban rainfall data is mainly measured by rainfall stations, while the number of traditional rainfall stations and their uneven distribution result in the inability to obtain high-precision surface rainfall data. With the advent of the era of big data, more and more experts and scholars have applied big data to the research of natural disasters. Therefore, this article uses web crawler technology to obtain Sina Weibo data with geographic location information. By analyzing the correlation between the number of micro-blogs related to rainfall and the rainfall of the field, establishing the relationship between the two functions, and constructing the simulated rainfall station in the urban area of Zhengzhou City, more refined surface rainfall data can be obtained by interpolation. The experimental results show that the method of construction of simulated rainfall station can effectively improve the accuracy of interpolation through traditional rainfall stations.
Application of GC-IMS in Detection of Food Flavor Substances
Authors: He Wen , Ren Fang , Wang Yingqian , Gao Xing , Wang Xiaoxia , Dai Xia , Song Jibing
Published: July 2020

Gas chromatography-ion migration spectroscopy (GC-IMS) is an effective method for the separation and sensitive detection of volatile organic compounds (Vocs). This technology combines the advantages of high separation ability of GC and rapid response of IMS, with fast response speed, high sensitivity, convenient operation and low cost. It has been widely used in the fields of drug detection, disease monitoring and environmental protection, especially in the field of food flavor analysis. This review first introduces the working principle of GC-IMS, and then summarizes the application of GC-IMS in the detection of flavor substances in food in recent years. Finally, the future paths in the research and development of GC-IMS are discussed.
Experimental Analysis on Effect of Temperature on Performance Testing for Heat Exchangers
Authors: Ren Bin , Tang Xiaoying , Pu Zhe
Published: July 2020

Heat exchangers are utilized to transfer or recover thermal energy in different industrial, domestic and commercial uses. With the outbreak of oil crisis, new type heat exchangers and heat transfer enhancement technology have gained more and more attention. Performance testing is the only approach to get heat transfer and flow resistance characteristics. Compared with testing standard GB/T 27698-2011, the qualitative temperatures of hot and cold fluid in TSG R0010-2019 are set as 60±1°C and 30±1°C. In this paper, the effect of qualitative temperature on performance testing for heat exchangers was investigated experimentally. The heat transfer and flow resistance correlations were obtained using Wilson plot method when the qualitative temperatures of hot water were 60°C and 70°C. And these two correlations were also developed by equal flowing velocity method at the qualitative temperatures of 50°C and 60°C. The results showed that qualitative temperature had scarcely any effect on fitting heat transfer and flow resistance correlations. The research results will provide a foundation for the actual performance testing and standard revision for heat exchangers.
Automatic Balancing System in Quadcopter with Change in Center of Gravity
Authors: Chaisena Kamolwat , Nenchoo Benjamaporn , Tantrairatn Suradet
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this paper is to explore an automatic balancing system using the proportional integral derivative or PID feedback control algorithm in quad-rotor Helicopter, so-called quadcopter, with the center of gravity, moved on account of payload. Nowadays, the quadcopter widely used for a variety of applications due to high stability performance. In many applications in quadcopter usually carried a payload in the middle of its frame to maintain the balance during flight. However, the application of quadcopter could be a contributing factor to increase a payload on one side and can lead to an improper position of the center of gravity. This study set out to investigate the use of the mass of battery and landing gear to create a counterbalance to compensate for the payload. The stabilization of the balancing system was implemented by the PID control algorithm to control the counterbalancing of the quadcopter. The current study found that the PID control algorithm works well to maintain the balance in a quadcopter with the center of gravity moving during flight.
Efficiency and Emission Simulations of Hydrogen-Fuel City Buses
Authors: Poojitganont T , Antoshkiv O , Watjatrakul B , Berg H P
Published: July 2020

In this study, the AVL Cruise is implemented to simulate driving parameters including the driving path, the power loss on engine accessories, the gear-shifting scheme and the engine’s fuel cut-off strategy influencing the bus fuel efficiency and emission. The Mercedes Conecto LF city bus using a diesel engine with Standardised On-Road Test Cycles was firstly simulated and compared with available literature. The application of hydrogen fuel was then examined and its result was compared with the diesel fuel on the specific fuel consumption. In addition, the driving cycles in Bangkok were simulated. The results show the pattern on both driving cycles with different fuel are similar, however, the fuel consumption of H2 is significantly less than in the case of Diesel. Moreover, it is also evident that the SORT driving cycle cannot represent the heavy traffic of Bangkok.
Detection of Contact-type Failure Based on Non-linear Wave Modulation Utilizing Self-Excited Ultrasonic Vibration: Evaluation of Failure Development Focusing on Frequency Modulation
Authors: Tanaka T , Maeda S , Oura Y , Wu Z
Published: July 2020

This research concerns the detection method of contact-type failure based on nonlinear wave modulation utilizing ultrasonic vibration driven by self-excitation. When the structure is vibrating by environmental force or forced excitation, the contact area is fluctuated by vibration. In this condition, the vibration transfer characteristics of ultrasonic vibration have fluctuated in synchronization with vibration (non-linear wave modulation). The detection method based on non-linear wave modulation can detect contact-type failure. In this paper, the novel detection method based on nonlinear wave modulation is presented. Firstly, the self-excitation method using local feedback control is introduced. Local feedback control can oscillate at the natural frequency automatically. Secondly, the concept of a novel detection method is introduced. When the structure with contact-type failure is vibrating, the frequency of the ultrasonic vibration excited by local feedback control will fluctuate in synchronization with natural frequency fluctuation. To explain the detection method, non-linear wave modulation is expressed 1 degree of freedom model. In this model, the local stiffness fluctuation is modelled by the spring element of which spring coefficient is fluctuated in synchronization with structural vibration. We regard the transfer function of this model as a linear time-varying system. The amplitude of the fluctuation of natural frequency caused by stiffness fluctuation can be the novel index of failure level. Lastly, the result of the experiment using the uniform beam specimen is shown. From the relationship between forcing pressure of the contact-type failure and the amplitude of the frequency modulation, it is proved that the novel index is associated with failure level.
Analysis of Tympanic Membrane Reconstruction with Various Thickness Cartilage Plates
Authors: Wu Zhiqiang , Tanaka Takashi , Kamitani Kazuki , Oura Yasunori , Hidayat Hidayat
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this research is to investigate an appropriate design of the sliced cartilage used for the reconstruction of the tympanic membrane (TM). A great number of people are suffering from TM perforation caused by diseases or accidents. A surgical procedure, called cartilage myringoplasty, can save the people from hearing loss by replacing the damaged part of the membrane with thin-sliced cartilage. In this research, as the first step of designing the sliced cartilage, we established a three-dimensional finite element model of the human ear for numerical analysis. The ear model consists of the middle ear (TM, ossicular chain, ligaments, muscle), and inner ear cochlea. The joints between ear bones were also modelled with softer tissues. The analysis result of the frequency response shows a good correspondence with measurement results reported by other researchers. Then, using the numerical model, we investigated the optimal thickness of the cartilage plate. The TM was cut at the bottom position with a size of about 40% of TM and filled by cartilage plate with the thickness of 0.1mm to 0.7mm. Comparing with the frequency response of the healthy ear, we found that the optimal thickness of the plate is different in a various frequency range. The reason is considered as the difference of material properties between the membrane and the cartilage. Finally, to evaluate the performance of repaired models in all frequency range, we proposed an equation of matching rate as the evaluation equation. The results show that 0.5mm cartilage plate model shows a better performance at peak response area (600Hz-1kHz), and 0.3mm. cartilage plate model shows better average performance in the total frequency range.
The Comparison of Strain Distribution on Thai Scoliosis and Thai Scoliosis Adjust by Screw Fixation System
Authors: Somtua Chompunut , Aroonjarattham Panya , Aroonjarattham Kitti
Published: July 2020

The secondary curve (S-shape) is one of the scoliosis deformity types. Scoliosis usually occurs in the thoracolumbar region of the adolescents, adulthood and the elderly. If the patient is not advised and treated by the surgeon, the patient will be in more pain and the curvature of scoliosis will be increased. The screw fixation system or pedicle screw system is popular in the treatment of spinal deformity. Because the surgical treatment is highly considered as successful, the postoperative of the pedicle screw system will become virtual homogeneous vertebral and movement together; however, there are few studies reporting the post-operative results in Thai scoliosis surgery. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the strain of Thai scoliosis (S-shape) as compared with normal Thai spine and Thai scoliosis adjusted by screw fixation system under the compressive load with a finite element method. The results showed the maximum strain occurred on Thai scoliosis, normal Thai spine and Thai scoliosis adjusted by screw fixation system respectively. It appeared that the strain occurred on the model of scoliosis adjusted by screw fixation system were more decreased/reduced than the scoliosis model and it is reasonable if compared with the normal model, due to the pedicle screw fixation system could be absorbed the strain occurred on the spinal very well. The center of scoliosis pre-operative was at T7 and L1 levels which had the maximum displacement before being adjusted by screw fixation system. It affects the strain occurred on the models by the reaction force. As mentioned above, the patient should be advised and treated by the surgeon as quick as possible in order to return to daily activities better than before the surgery.
The Contact Patch Analysis of Solid Tire on Drum Testing by Finite Element Method
Authors: Phromjan J , Suvanjumrat C
Published: July 2020

The drum testing method is an effective method to study the tire-rotating characteristic. The rolling resistance and contact force are carried out for tire performance development. The tire was tested by the cylindrical drum indoor laboratory. Thus, the contact patch of rolling solid tire on the drum surface should provide the same results as the tire testing on a flat surface. This research uses a finite element method to develop the drum testing of solid tire model and to investigate the contact patch. The compressed contact patches of solid tire on drum were compared with the validated contact patches of solid tire on the flat surface. The different results showed the effect of the drum curvature. Consequently, the diameter of the drum wheel was optimized for solid tire testing. It is interesting to note that the suitable ratio between drum diameter and solid tire diameter was 1.81.
Augmented Reality for Dies Alignment in Machine Setup
Authors: Tothong T. , Vongbunyong S. , Chinthammit W. , Piyasinchart A.
Published: July 2020

Forging is one of the material deformation processing techniques. While the operation cycle is short and efficient, the machine setup process is generally long and time consuming. One of the difficulties in operation is position alignment procedure of the equipment during the die changing process. Due to the size and shape complexity of the machine and equipment, the operators are not able to clearly see the important parts – e.g. guided pins, holes, and sub-plate which need to be moved to finely adjust the alignment. Augmented Reality (henceforth AR) is used to solve this problem by rendering virtual objects and guides associated to those parts over the real equipment. Thus, the operators can monitor the position of the parts during the alignment process through the virtual objects. This AR system is developed based on ARcore SDK together with Unity on the Android platform. The experiment was conducted in real factory environment.
Investigation of Joining Dissimilar Materials Using Hot Pressing Process
Authors: Wannapa N. , Tangwaradomnukun V. , Uthaisangsuk V.
Published: July 2020

Hot pressing has been increasingly applied as a joining technology for dissimilar materials because of its simple setup. However, various process parameters must be clearly defined here in order to obtain an optimum joint. In this study, an experimental hot pressing for joining an aluminium alloy sheet grade A5052 with a polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) plate was carried out. Different surface treatment on the aluminium samples were firstly employed by using both mechanical and chemical processes. Then, surface topographies of the treated samples were characterized by scanning electron microscope. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis was carried out to examine the C=O in the carbonyl group of thermo-plastic at the joint. During the hot pressing, joining force and temperature were varied. Afterwards, tension shear tests were performed for the aluminium-PBT specimens to evaluate the resulted joint strength. It was found that the pressing force of 1-ton and a pressing temperature of 270°C were the optimum parameters for joining these investigated materials. The maximum joining strength was obtained by specimens subjected to sandblasting combined with chemical surface treatment, in which the surface roughness of aluminium sheet samples was in the range of 4-9 μm. The specimens after shear tests exhibited a cohesive failure. The depth of mechanical interlocking between surfaces of both materials was approximately 33 μm. No change of the molecular structure of PBT was observed by the direct bonding between aluminium and PBT using hot pressing.
Analysis and characterization of enhanced kinetic reaction on ozone generation using negative corona discharge
Authors: Chee Fuei Pien , Zainuddin Nur Syahirah , Ha Howe Ling , Dayou Jedol
Published: July 2020

Background and objective: Ozone gas has been used in microorganism treatment and is known as one of the strongest oxidizing agents. The main limitation of ozone is decay rapidly due to its short halflife. In this study, a novel method was established to enhance the production of ozonated water with lower decomposition time. Materials and method: The newly developed prototype was designed with improved technology to increase the kinetic reaction between ozone and water utilizing the parameters of high pressure and continuous flow. Ozonated water produced was examined using dissolved ozone meter with maximum detection of 20 mg L−1. The reaction and decomposition modeling of this system was developed and the dynamic structure of produced ozonated water was investigated using Raman spectroscopy. Results: The findings showed that the newly developed prototype facilitates a higher concentration of ozonated water with an ozone transfer rate of 2.5 L min−1 and a lower decomposition rate with an average half-life 200 min. The results obtained from Raman spectroscopy showed the increases in ozonated water concentration leading to a decrease in the intensity of Raman peak, more likely approaching the Raman intensity of distilled water. Conclusion: This system was proven to be efficient in producing ozonated water at high volume and concentration with longer half-life which suits the domestic and industrial application requirements.
Determination of latent dimensionality in international trade flow
Authors: Truong Duc P , Skau Erik , Valtchinov Vladimir I , Alexandrov Boian S
Published: July 2020

Currently, high-dimensional data is ubiquitous in data science, which necessitates the development of techniques to decompose and interpret such multidimensional (aka tensor) datasets. Finding a low dimensional representation of the data, that is, its inherent structure, is one of the approaches that can serve to understand the dynamics of low dimensional latent features hidden in the data. Moreover, decomposition methods with non-negative constraints are shown to extract more insightful factors. Nonnegative RESCAL is one such technique, particularly well suited to analyze self-relational data, such as dynamic networks found in international trade flows. Particularly, non-negative RESCAL computes a low dimensional tensor representation by finding the latent space containing multiple modalities. Furthermore, estimating the dimensionality of this latent space is crucial for extracting meaningful latent features. Here, to determine the dimensionality of the latent space with non-negative RESCAL, we propose a latent dimension determination method which is based on clustering of the solutions of multiple realizations of non-negative RESCAL decompositions. We demonstrate the performance of our model selection method on synthetic data. We then apply our method to decompose a network of international trade flows data from International Monetary Fund and shows that with a correct latent dimension determination, the resulting features are able to capture relevant empirical facts from economic literature.
Nitrogen-vacancy defect emission spectra in the vicinity of an adjustable silver mirror
Authors: Israelsen Niels M , Radko Ilya P , Raatz Nicole , Meijer Jan , Andersen Ulrik L , Huck Alexander
Published: July 2020

Optical emitters of quantum radiation in the solid state are important building blocks for emerging technologies making use of the laws of quantum mechanics. The efficiency of photon extraction from the host material is low for many solid-state systems due to their relatively high index of refraction. In this article we experimentally study the emission spectrum of an ensemble of nitrogen-vacancy defects implanted around 8 nm below the planar diamond surface and in the vicinity of a planar silver mirror. Scanning the distance between diamond and the mirror, we observe an enhancement of the spectral emission power by up to a factor of 3. We construct a model based on classical dipoles and elucidate the observations as being caused by interference in the far field of the emitters.
Spare Roof Technique Versus Component Dorsal Hump Reduction: A Randomized Prospective Study in 250 Primary Rhinoplasties, Aesthetic and Functional Outcomes
Authors: Ferreira Miguel Gonçalves , Santos Mariline , e Carmo Diogo Oliveira , Fertuzinhos Aureliano , e Sousa Cecília Almeida , Santos Jorge , Dourado Nuno , Amarante José
Published: July 2020

Background

Most Caucasian aesthetic rhinoplasty patients complain about having a noticeable hump in profile view. Taking the integrity of the middle vault into consideration, there are 2 ways to dehump a nose: the structured technique and the preservation technique.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the aesthetic and functional outcomes of 2 reduction rhinoplasty techniques.

Methods

We performed a prospective, randomized, interventional, and longitudinal study on 250 patients randomly divided into 2 groups: the component dorsal hump reduction group (CDRg) (n = 125) and the spare roof technique group (SRTg) (n = 125). We utilized the Utrecht Questionnaire for Outcome Assessment in Aesthetic Rhinoplasty. Patients answered the questionnaire before the surgery, and at 3 and 12 months after surgery. In addition, we utilized a visual analog scale (VAS) to score nasal patency for each side.

Results

Analyses of the preoperative and postoperative aesthetic VAS scores showed a significant improvement in both groups, from 3.66 to 7.00 (at 3 months) to 7.35 (at 12 months) in the CDRg, and from 3.81 to 8.14 (at 3 months) to 8.45 (at 12 months) in the SRTg. Analyses of postoperative means of aesthetic VAS scores showed a significant improvement in both groups over time. However, aesthetic improvement was higher in the SRTg than in the CDRg at both 3 (P < 0.001) and 12 months (P < 0.001) postsurgery. Analyses of the mean functional VAS scores showed a significant improvement with both techniques, with a better result for the SRTg.

Conclusions

The SRT is a reliable technique that can help deliver consistently better aesthetic and functional results than CDR for reduction rhinoplasty in Caucasian patients with a dorsal hump.

Level of Evidence: 2
The Axiom of Choice and the Partition Principle from Dialectica Categories
Authors: Da Silva Samuel G
Published: July 2020

The method of morphisms is a well-known application of Dialectica categories to set theory (more precisely, to the theory of cardinal invariants of the continuum). In a previous work, Valeria de Paiva and the author have asked how much of the Axiom of Choice is needed in order to carry out the referred applications of such method. In this paper, we show that, when considered in their full generality, those applications of Dialectica categories give rise to equivalents (within $\textbf{ZF}$) of either the Axiom of Choice ($\textbf{AC}$) or Partition Principle ($\textbf{PP}$)—which is a consequence of $\textbf{AC}$ whose precise status of its relationship with$\textbf{AC}$ itself is an open problem for more than a hundred years.
Identification of the Regulatory Components Mediated by the Cyclic di-GMP Receptor Filp and Its Interactor PilZX3 and Functioning in Virulence of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Shahbaz Muhammad Umar , Qian Shanshan , Yun Fei , Zhang Jie , Yu Chao , Tian Fang , Yang Fenghuan , Chen Huamin
Published: July 2020

The degenerate GGDEF/EAL domain protein Filp was previously shown to function as a cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) signal receptor through its specific interaction with an atypical PilZ domain protein PilZX3 (formerly PXO_02715) and that this interaction is involved in regulating virulence in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. As a step toward understanding the regulatory role of Filp/PilZX3-mediated c-di-GMP signaling in the virulence of X. oryzae pv. oryzae, differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) downstream of Filp/PilZX3 were identified by isobaric tagging for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ). A total of 2,346 proteins were identified, of which 157 displayed significant differential expression in different strains. Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analyses showed that the expression of HrrP (histidine kinase-response regulator hybrid protein), PhrP (PhoPQ-regulated protein), ProP (prophage Lp2 protein 6) were increased in the ∆filp, ∆pilZX3, and ∆filp∆pilZX3 mutant strains, while expression of CheW1 (chemotaxis protein CheW1), EdpX2 (the second EAL domain protein identified in X. oryzae pv. oryzae), HGdpX2 (the second HD-GYP domain protein identified in X. oryzae pv. oryzae) was decreased in all mutant strains compared with that in the wild type, which was consistent with the iTRAQ data. Deletion of the hrrP and proP genes resulted in significant increases in virulence, whereas deletion of the cheW1, hGdpX2, or tdrX2 genes resulted in decreased virulence. Enzyme assays indicated that EdpX2 and HGdpX2 were active phosphodiesterases (PDEs). This study provides a proteomic description of putative regulatory pathway of Filp and PilZX3 and characterized novel factors that contributed to the virulence of X. oryzae pv. oryzae regulated by c-di-GMP signaling.
Isolate-Specific Responses of the Nonhost Grass Brachypodium distachyon to the Fungal Pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici Compared with Wheat
Authors: Reilly Aisling , Karki Sujit Jung , Twamley Anthony , Tiley Anna M. M. , Kildea Steven , Feechan Angela
Published: July 2020

Septoria tritici blotch (STB) is an important foliar disease of wheat that is caused by the fungal pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici. The grass Brachypodium distachyon has been used previously as a model system for cereal–pathogen interactions. In this study, we examined the nonhost resistance (NHR) response of B. distachyon to two different Z. tritici isolates in comparison with wheat. These isolates vary in aggressiveness on wheat cultivar Remus, displaying significant differences in disease and pycnidia coverage. Using microscopy, we found that similar isolate-specific responses were observed for hydrogen peroxide accumulation and cell death in both wheat and B. distachyon. Despite this, induction of isolate-specific patterns of defense gene expression by Z. tritici did differ between B. distachyon and wheat. Our results suggest that expression of the phenylalanine ammonia lyase PAL gene may be important for NHR in B. distachyon, while pathogenesis-related PR genes and expression of genes regulating reactive oxygen species may be important to limit disease in wheat. Future studies of the B. distachyon–Z. tritici interaction may allow identification of conserved plant immunity targets that are responsible for the isolate-specific responses observed in both plant species.
In Silico Identification of the Full Complement of Subtilase-Encoding Genes and Characterization of the Role of TaSBT1.7 in Resistance Against Stripe Rust in Wheat
Authors: Yang Yuheng , Zhang Fengfeng , Zhou Tianyu , Fang Anfei , Yu Yang , Bi Chaowei , Xiao Shunyuan
Published: July 2020

Plant subtilases (SBTs) or subtilisin-like proteases comprise a very diverse family of serine peptidases that participates in a broad spectrum of biological functions. Despite increasing evidence for roles of SBTs in plant immunity in recent years, little is known about wheat (Triticum aestivum) SBTs (TaSBTs). Here, we identified 255 TaSBT genes from bread wheat using the latest version 2.0 of the reference genome sequence. The SBT family can be grouped into five clades, from TaSBT1 to TaSBT5, based on a phylogenetic tree constructed with deduced protein sequences. In silico protein-domain analysis revealed the existence of considerable sequence diversification of the TaSBT family which, together with the local clustered gene distribution, suggests that TaSBT genes have undergone extensive functional diversification. Among those TaSBT genes whose expression was altered by biotic factors, TaSBT1.7 was found to be induced in wheat leaves by chitin and flg22 elicitors, as well as six examined pathogens, implying a role for TaSBT1.7 in plant defense. Transient overexpression of TaSBT1.7 in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves resulted in necrotic cell death. Moreover, knocking down TaSBT1.7 in wheat using barley stripe mosaic virus-induced gene silencing compromised the hypersensitive response and resistance against Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, the causal agent of wheat stripe rust. Taken together, this study defined the full complement of wheat SBT genes and provided evidence for a positive role of one particular member, TaSBT1.7, in the incompatible interaction between wheat and a stripe rust pathogen.
Genome Resource for Pseudomonas sp. Strain L22-9: A Potential Novel Species with Antifungal Activity
Authors: Liang Jingling , Wang Sai , Yiming Ayizekeranmu , Fu Luoyi , Nie Wenhan , Chen Gongyou , Zhu Bo
Published: July 2020

Pseudomonas is a complex genus with increasing numbers of new species. Recently, we isolated Pseudomonas sp. strain L22-9, which showed antifungal activity against several fungal phytopathogens. Here, we report the whole genome sequence of strain L22-9. Genomic analysis revealed that strain L22-9 contains one circular DNA chromosome of 6,730,360 bp length with 60.9% GC content. Bioinformatics analysis identified gene clusters in the genome that synthesize antimicrobial metabolites such as 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol synthesis and hydrogen cyanide synthase. Further analysis suggests that strain L22-9 is a novel species of the genus Pseudomonas. This genome would be a valuable resource for future research in phytopathology.
COVID-19: a primer for the rheumatologist: management of patients and care settings
Authors: Calabrese Cassandra , Lehman Bethany
Published: July 2020

Purpose of review

There are currently many unanswered questions surrounding the management of patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic and several ‘rapid’ guidelines have been released, although are subject to be updated and changed in the near future. The purpose of this review is to discuss the approach to management of patients with immune-mediated diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recent findings

At present, there is little evidence to suggest an increased risk of COVID-19 infection or its complications in patients with immune-mediated diseases or associated with conventional or biologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs; however, glucocorticoid use does appear to have negative associations.

Currently, conventional and biologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs can be continued in the absence of SARS-CoV-2 exposure. In the case of exposure, with the exception of hydroxyhcloroquine and sulfasalazine, immunosuppression should be held for 2 weeks. Our recommendations and the guidelines we discuss here are based on C-level recommendations but help provide a framework for how to counsel our patients during this pandemic.
Engineering antibody-based molecules for HIV treatment and cure
Authors: Tuyishime Marina , Ferrari Guido
Published: July 2020

Purpose of review

Immunotherapy strategies alternative to current antiretroviral therapies will need to address viral diversity while increasing the immune system's ability to efficiently target the latent virus reservoir. Antibody-based molecules can be designed based on broadly neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies that target free virions and infected cells. These multispecific molecules, either by IgG-like or non-IgG-like in structure, aim to target several independent HIV-1 epitopes and/or engage effector cells to eliminate the replicating virus and infected cells. This detailed review is intended to stimulate discussion on future requirements for novel immunotherapeutic molecules.

Recent findings

Bispecific and trispecific antibodies are engineered as a single molecules to target two or more independent epitopes on the HIV-1 envelope (Env). These antibody-based molecules have increased avidity for Env, leading to improved neutralization potency and breadth compared with single parental antibodies. Furthermore, bispecific and trispecific antibodies that engage cellular receptors with one arm of the molecule help concentrate inhibitory molecules to the sites of potential infection and facilitate engagement of immune effector cells and Env-expressing target cells for their elimination.

Recently engineered antibody-based molecules of different sizes and structures show promise in vitro or in vivo and are encouraging candidates for HIV treatment.
Defining and Identifying Per-protocol Effects in Randomized Trials
Authors: Rudolph Jacqueline E. , Naimi Ashley I. , Westreich Daniel J. , Kennedy Edward H. , Schisterman Enrique F.
Published: July 2020

In trials with noncompliance to assigned treatment, researchers might be interested in estimating a per-protocol effect—a comparison of two counterfactual outcomes defined by treatment assignment and (often time-varying) compliance with a well-defined treatment protocol. Here, we provide a general counterfactual definition of a per-protocol effect and discuss examples of per-protocol effects that are of either substantive or methodologic interest. In doing so, we seek to make more concrete what per-protocol effects are and highlight that one can estimate per-protocol effects that are more than just a comparison of always taking treatment in two distinct treatment arms. We then discuss one set of identifiability conditions that allow for identification of a causal per-protocol effect, highlighting some potential violations of those conditions that might arise when estimating per-protocol effects.
Inhalational Exposure Causes Radioactive Material Uptake for Multiple Workers
Authors: Paciello Lara R. , Owoc Julian J.
Published: July 2020

Seven individuals were occupationally exposed to airborne radioactive material, which caused an intake of multiple isotopes and an uptake of 60Co. Committed effective dose equivalents were calculated using ICRP Publication 30 methodology in accordance with US Regulation 10 CFR 20. Doses were in the range of 0.1–2.63 mSv for all individuals. Continued monitoring via whole body counting continues to detect internal contamination of 60Co from this event at 321 d post intake.
Neuroaxonal Degeneration in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: An Optical Coherence Tomography and in Vivo Corneal Confocal Microscopy Study
Authors: Testa Valeria , De Santis Nicole , Scotto Riccardo , Pastorino Carlo E. , Cellerino Maria , Olivari Sara , Morlacchi Alessia Jenny , Inglese Matilde , Uccelli Antonio , Traverso Carlo E. , Iester Michele
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of multiple sclerosis (MS) on corneal and retinal nerve fiber by quantifying corneal subbasal nerve fibers and retinal ganglion cells.

Methods:

A total of 46 eyes of 23 patients with MS and 42 eyes of 21 healthy subjects were included in the study. All patients and healthy subjects underwent a comprehensive ocular examination. In vivo confocal microscopy with Heidelberg Retina Tomograph in association with Rostock Cornea Module (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) and a swept-source optical coherence tomography (Topcon Corporation) were performed in all patients and healthy subjects. The number of subbasal nerve fibers and the nerve fiber density were calculated. Student t test was used to compare eyes with MS with control eyes. The normal distribution was first confirmed with the Shapiro-Wilk test.

Results:

A statistically significant (P < 0.05) decrease was found for nerve fiber number, ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer, and retinal nerve fiber layer in patients with MS compared with those of healthy subjects. Moreover, an inverse correlation was found between retinal nerve fiber layer (r = −0.32), nerve fiber number (r = −0.47), and ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (r = −0.51) and Expanded Disability Status Scale. A direct correlation between Expanded Disability Status Scale and optic neuritis frequency was found (r = 0.322).

Conclusions:

In vivo confocal microscopy showed a difference in corneal morphological parameters and retinal damage; moreover, these changes seemed to be related to the degree of neurological disability. Both retinal ganglion and trigeminal cell atrophy measurements could become affordable and accessible biomarkers for clinical trials in progressive disease.
Topography-Guided Photorefractive Keratectomy for Postkeratoplasty Astigmatism: Long-Term Outcomes
Authors: Bizrah Mukhtar , Lin David T. C. , Babili Abdulaa , Wirth Magdalena Anna , Arba-Mosquera Samuel , Holland Simon P.
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (TG-PRK) for postkeratoplasty refractive error correction.

Methods:

A retrospective interventional case series of 54 eyes of 50 patients who underwent previous corneal transplants. Unaided distance visual acuity (UDVA) and best corrected visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, mean central keratometric value, mean keratometric astigmatism, and postoperative complications were reviewed.

Results:

Final follow-up was at mean 31 (±17) months. Sixteen point seven percent of eyes underwent more than 1 surface ablation. Mean UDVA improved from 0.96 ± 0.06 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) preoperatively to 0.46 ± 0.05 LogMAR of resolution at the final follow-up (Bonferroni, P < 0.0001). Mean UDVA improved by 4.4 Snellen lines. Improvement in CDVA was not significant, although a significant improvement was noted when eyes with preoperative CDVA <20/40 were analyzed separately (t test, P = 0.005). Mean astigmatism improved from −4.4 ± 0.26 D preoperatively to −2.4 ± 0.26 D at the final follow-up (Bonferroni, P < 0.0001), whereas mean SEQ improved from −2.5 ± 0.39 D preoperatively to −1.1 ± 0.25 D (Bonferroni, P = 0.02). In total, 9% at the preoperative visit and 55% at the final visit had less than 2 D of astigmatism, respectively. Keratometric astigmatism decreased from 5.24 ± 0.36 D preoperatively to 2.98 ± 0.34 D at the final follow-up (t test, P < 0.0001). No eyes developed clinically significant haze, 14.8% developed regression, and 13% had a reduction of 2 or more CDVA lines.

Conclusions:

Postkeratoplasty topography–guided photorefractive keratectomy has good long-term efficacy and safety, resulting in significant UDVA, refractive, and keratometric improvement. Regression can occur after the first year of treatment, emphasizing the importance of long-term follow-up.