bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Analysis for Determination of Hydrodynamic Characteristics of a Gimbaled Thrust Vectoring Nozzle
Authors: Islam Saad , Islam Md Shafiqul
Published: August 2017

Gimbaled thrust vectoring nozzles are employed in Solid Rocket Motors (SRM) to account for the aspects of maneuverability of the flight vehicle. The flow field of such a solid pulsed rocket motor is explored numerically (from dome-closeout onward) by solving Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations with Menters Shear Stress Transport (SST) k - ? turbulence model using a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tool. Parametric studies are carried out to find out the thermochemical and hydrodynamic characteristics of the hot gas in the rocket motor nozzle. The performances of different supersonic and subsonic sections were studied in terms of the hydrodynamic aspects such as static pressure and Mach number distribution. It is observed that the tradeoff of implementing thrust vectoring mechanism amounts to an additional pressure loss of 10.06% in the rocket motor. Such analyses are specific to certain types of Short Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) having solid state propellant (primary stage) in radial boost, end burning pulsed configuration with exacting demands on maneuverability and control implied upon payload and mission criterion.Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 41, No. 1, 69-84, 2017
Measurement and Comparison of Control Rod Worth of BTRR using Inhour Equation and Period reactivity conversion table
Authors: Hosan Md Iqbal , Soner MAM , Huq Md Fazlul , Kabir Khorshed Ahmad
Published: August 2017

In a nuclear reactor, control rod is a very essential part and plays the elementary role in the reactor control during reactor start up, normal power operation, experimental research and shutdown. To perform all these operations safely, knowledge of differential and integral worth of the control rod is mandatory. In this study, the differential and integral worth curve of all control rods of BAEC TRIGA Research Reactor (BTRR) have been determined by using the positive period method. Reactor period was measured from 1.5 folding time, doubling time, 5 folding time respectively; and in the above three cases reactivity has also been calculated from INHOUR equation and period reactivity conversion table. The total worth of all control rods of BTRR are measured as 14.888 $, 14.672 $, 14.348 $ from INHOUR equation and 13.978 $, 13.672 $, 13.357 $ from period reactivity conversion table for 1.5 folding time, doubling time and 5 folding time respectively. The measured reactivity has also been compared with the previously measured reactivity and due to fuel burn up of the reactor expected lower values were observed.Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 41, No. 1, 95-103, 2017
National Professor Dr. MR Khan
Authors: Aziz KM Sultanul
Published: August 2017

Abstract not availableJournal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 41, No. 1, 2017
Muon radiography method for fundamental and applied research
Authors: Alexandrov A B , Vladymyrov M S , Galkin V I , Goncharova L A , Grachev V M , Vasina S G , Konovalova N S , Malovichko A A , Managadze A K , Okat’eva N M , Polukhina N G , Roganova T M , Starkov N I , Tioukov V E , Chernyavsky M M , Shchedrina T V
Published: August 2017

This paper focuses on the basic principles of the muon radiography method, reviews the major muon radiography experiments, and presents the first results in Russia obtained by the authors using this method based on emulsion track detectors.
From the Editors: De Ethica. A Journal of Philosophical, Theological and Applied Ethics (English)
Authors: Agnafors Marcus
Published: August 2017

No abstract available.
SOA Based Photonic Integrated WDM Cross-Connects for Optical Metro-Access Networks
Authors: Calabretta Nicola , Miao Wang , Mekonnen Ketemaw , Prifti Kristif
Published: August 2017

We present a novel optical metro node architecture that exploits the Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) optical cross-connect nodes for interconnecting network elements, as well as computing and storage resources. The photonic WDM cross-connect node based on semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOA) allows switching data signals in wavelength, space, and time for fully exploiting statistical multiplexing. The advantages of using an SOA to realize the WDM cross-connect switch in terms of transparency, switching speed, photonic integrated amplification for loss-less operation, and gain equalization are verified experimentally. The experimental assessment of a 4 × 4 photonic integrated WDM cross-connect confirmed the capability of the cross-connect chip to switch the WDM signal in space and wavelength. Experimental results show lossless operation, low cross-talk <−30 dB, and dynamically switch within few nanoseconds. Moreover, the operation of the cross-connect switch with multiple WDM channels and diverse modulation formats is also investigated and reported. Error-free operation with less than a 2 dB power penalty for a single channel, as well as WDM input operation, has been measured for multiple 10/20/40 Gb/s NRZ-OOK, 20 Gb/s PAM4, and data-rate adaptive DMT traffic. Compensation of the losses indicates that the modular architecture could scale to a larger number of ports.
Unstable Leader Inception Criteria of Atmospheric Discharges
Authors: Arevalo Liliana , Cooray Vernon
Published: August 2017

In the literature, there are different criteria to represent the formation of a leader channel in short and long gap discharges. Due to the complexity of the physics of the heating phenomena, and the limitations of the computational resources, a simplified criterion for the minimum amount of electrical charge required to incept an unstable leader has recently been used for modeling long gap discharges and lightning attachments. The criterion is based on the assumption that the total energy of the streamer is used to heat up the gas, among other principles. However, from a physics point of view, energy can also be transferred to other molecular processes, such as rotation, translation, and vibrational excitation. In this paper, the leader inception mechanism was studied based on fundamental particle physics and the energy balance of the gas media. The heating process of the plasma is evaluated with a detailed two-dimensional self-consistent model. The model is able to represent the streamer propagation, dark period, and unsuccessful leaders that may occur prior to the heating of the channel. The main processes that participate in heating the gas are identified within the model, indicating that impact ionization and detachment are the leading sources of energy injection, and that recombination is responsible for loss of electrons and limiting the energy. The model was applied to a well-known experiment for long air gaps under positive switching impulses reported in the literature, and used to validate models for lightning attachments and long gap discharges. Results indicate that the streamer–leader transition depends on the amount of energy transferred to the heating process. The minimum electric charge required for leader inception varies with the gap geometry, the background electric field, the reduction of electric field due to the space charge, the energy expended on the vibrational relation, and the environmental conditions, among others.
Integrins as Therapeutic Targets: Successes and Cancers
Authors: Raab-Westphal Sabine , Marshall John , Goodman Simon
Published: August 2017

Integrins are transmembrane receptors that are central to the biology of many human pathologies. Classically mediating cell-extracellular matrix and cell-cell interaction, and with an emerging role as local activators of TGFβ, they influence cancer, fibrosis, thrombosis and inflammation. Their ligand binding and some regulatory sites are extracellular and sensitive to pharmacological intervention, as proven by the clinical success of seven drugs targeting them. The six drugs on the market in 2016 generated revenues of some US$3.5 billion, mainly from inhibitors of α4-series integrins. In this review we examine the current developments in integrin therapeutics, especially in cancer, and comment on the health economic implications of these developments.
Assessment of Autophagy in Neurons and Brain Tissue
Authors: Benito-Cuesta Irene , Diez Héctor , Ordoñez Lara , Wandosell Francisco
Published: August 2017

Autophagy is a complex process that controls the transport of cytoplasmic components into lysosomes for degradation. This highly conserved proteolytic system involves dynamic and complex processes, using similar molecular elements and machinery from yeast to humans. Moreover, autophagic dysfunction may contribute to a broad spectrum of mammalian diseases. Indeed, in adult tissues, where the capacity for regeneration or cell division is low or absent (e.g., in the mammalian brain), the accumulation of proteins/peptides that would otherwise be recycled or destroyed may have pathological implications. Indeed, such changes are hallmarks of pathologies, like Alzheimer’s, Prion or Parkinson’s disease, known as proteinopathies. However, it is still unclear whether such dysfunction is a cause or an effect in these conditions. One advantage when analysing autophagy in the mammalian brain is that almost all the markers described in different cell lineages and systems appear to be present in the brain, and even in neurons. By contrast, the mixture of cell types present in the brain and the differentiation stage of such neurons, when compared with neurons in culture, make translating basic research to the clinic less straightforward. Thus, the purpose of this review is to describe and discuss the methods available to monitor autophagy in neurons and in the mammalian brain, a process that is not yet fully understood, focusing primarily on mammalian macroautophagy. We will describe some general features of neuronal autophagy that point to our focus on neuropathologies in which macroautophagy may be altered. Indeed, we centre this review around the hypothesis that enhanced autophagy may be able to provide therapeutic benefits in some brain pathologies, like Alzheimer’s disease, considering this pathology as one of the most prevalent proteinopathies.
The Potential of Targeting Brain Pathology with Ascl1/Mash1
Authors: Tang Bor
Published: August 2017

The proneural factor Achaete-scute complex-like 1 (Ascl1/Mash1) acts as a pioneering transcription factor that initializes neuronal reprogramming. It drives neural progenitors and non-neuronal cells to exit the cell cycle, and promotes neuronal differentiation by activating neuronal target genes, even those that are normally repressed. Importantly, force-expression of Ascl1 was shown to drive proliferative reactive astroglia formed during stroke and glioblastoma stem cells towards neuronal differentiation, and this could potentially diminish CNS damage resulting from their proliferation. As a pro-neural factor, Ascl1 also has the general effect of enhancing neurite growth by damaged or surviving neurons. Here, a hypothesis that brain pathologies associated with traumatic/ischemic injury and malignancy could be targeted with pro-neural factors that drives neuronal differentiation is formulated and explored. Although a good number of caveats exist, exogenous over-expression of Ascl1, alone or in combination with other factors, may be worth further consideration as a therapeutic approach in brain injury and cancer.
Stochastic Thermodynamics of Brownian Motion
Authors: Nicolis Grégoire , De Decker Yannick
Published: August 2017

A stochastic thermodynamics of Brownian motion is set up in which state functions are expressed in terms of state variables through the same relations as in classical irreversible thermodynamics, with the difference that the state variables are now random fields accounting for the effect of fluctuations. Explicit expressions for the stochastic analog of entropy production and related quantities are derived for a dilute solution of Brownian particles in a fluid of light particles. Their statistical properties are analyzed and, in the light of the insights afforded, the thermodynamics of a single Brownian particle is revisited and the status of the second law of thermodynamics is discussed.
A Brief History of Long Memory: Hurst, Mandelbrot and the Road to ARFIMA, 1951–1980
Authors: Graves Timothy , Gramacy Robert , Watkins Nicholas , Franzke Christian
Published: August 2017

Long memory plays an important role in many fields by determining the behaviour and predictability of systems; for instance, climate, hydrology, finance, networks and DNA sequencing. In particular, it is important to test if a process is exhibiting long memory since that impacts the accuracy and confidence with which one may predict future events on the basis of a small amount of historical data. A major force in the development and study of long memory was the late Benoit B. Mandelbrot. Here, we discuss the original motivation of the development of long memory and Mandelbrot’s influence on this fascinating field. We will also elucidate the sometimes contrasting approaches to long memory in different scientific communities.
Rate-Distortion Theory for Clustering in the Perceptual Space
Authors: Bardera Anton , Bramon Roger , Ruiz Marc , Boada Imma
Published: August 2017

How to extract relevant information from large data sets has become a main challenge in data visualization. Clustering techniques that classify data into groups according to similarity metrics are a suitable strategy to tackle this problem. Generally, these techniques are applied in the data space as an independent step previous to visualization. In this paper, we propose clustering on the perceptual space by maximizing the mutual information between the original data and the final visualization. With this purpose, we present a new information-theoretic framework based on the rate-distortion theory that allows us to achieve a maximally compressed data with a minimal signal distortion. Using this framework, we propose a methodology to design a visualization process that minimizes the information loss during the clustering process. Three application examples of the proposed methodology in different visualization techniques such as scatterplot, parallel coordinates, and summary trees are presented.
Interfering Relay Channels
Authors: Do Hieu , Oechtering Tobias , Skoglund Mikael , Vu Mai
Published: August 2017

This paper introduces and studies a model in which two relay channels interfere with each other. Motivated by practical scenarios in heterogeneous wireless access networks, each relay is assumed to be connected to its intended receiver through a digital link with finite capacity. Inner and outer bounds for achievable rates are derived and shown to be tight for new discrete memoryless classes, which generalize and unify several known cases involving interference and relay channels. Capacity region and sum capacity for multiple Gaussian scenarios are also characterized to within a constant gap. The results show the optimality or near-optimality of the quantize-bin-and-forward coding scheme for practically relevant relay-interference networks, which brings important engineering insight into the design of wireless communications systems.
New Technique for Posture Identification in Smart Prayer Mat
Authors: Kasman Kasman , Moshnyaga Vasily
Published: August 2017

Smart praying mats are essential to help old and forgetful Muslims perform their religious needs. Due to the binary representation of pressure sensors embedded into the mat for posture identification, existing smart praying systems either use large sensing arrays, thus becoming expensive and bulky, or utilize only a limited number of sensors, minimizing the cost of posture recognition accuracy. This article presents a new technique for detecting human postures and counting posture cycles by a smart mat. Unlike related solutions, the proposed technique identifies postures by voltage levels observed from five sensors only. The technique has been implemented in a prototype smart mat and experimentally evaluated by 30 Islam worshipers. The results show that it provides unobtrusive and robust (100%) recognition of all six postures of the Muslim praying cycle and reliable cycle counting. The implementation is inexpensive, easy to use and quite helpful for users.
Frequency Regulation Strategies in Grid Integrated Offshore Wind Turbines via VSC-HVDC Technology: A Review
Authors: Jallad Jafar , Mekhilef Saad , Mokhlis Hazlie
Published: August 2017

The inclusion of wind energy in a power system network is currently seeing a significant increase. However, this inclusion has resulted in degradation of the inertia response, which in turn seriously affects the stability of the power system’s frequency. This problem can be solved by using an active power reserve to stabilize the frequency within an allowable limit in the event of a sudden load increment or the loss of generators. Active power reserves can be utilized via three approaches: (1) de-loading method (pitching or over-speeding) by a variable speed wind turbine (VSWT); (2) stored energy in the capacitors of voltage source converter-high voltage direct current (VSC-HVDC) transmission; and (3) coordination of frequency regulation between the offshore wind farms and the VSC-HVDC transmission. This paper reviews the solutions that can be used to overcome problems related to the frequency stability of grid- integrated offshore wind turbines. It also details the permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) with full-scale back to back (B2B) converters, its corresponding control strategies, and a typical VSC-HVDC system with an associated control system. The control methods, both on the levels of a wind turbine and the VSC-HVDC system that participate in a system’s primary frequency control and emulation inertia, are discussed.
Effects of Loading Rate on Gas Seepage and Temperature in Coal and Its Potential for Coal-Gas Disaster Early-Warning
Authors: Zhang Chong , Liu Xiaofei , Xu Guang , Wang Xiaoran
Published: August 2017

The seepage velocity and temperature externally manifest the changing structure, gas desorption and energy release that occurs in coal containing gas failure under loading. By using the system of coal containing gas failure under loading, this paper studies the law of seepage velocity and temperature under different loading rates and at 1.0 MPa confining pressure and 0.5 MPa gas pressure, and combined the on-site results of gas pressure and temperature. The results show that the stress directly affects the seepage velocity and temperature of coal containing gas, and the pressure and content of gas have the most sensitivity to mining stress. Although the temperature is not sensitive to mining stress, it has great correlation with mining stress. Seepage velocity has the characteristic of critically slowing down under loading. This is demonstrated by the variance increasing before the main failure of the samples. Therefore, the variance of seepage velocity with time and temperature can provide an early warning for coal containing gas failing and gas disasters in a coal mine.
The Importance of Government Effectiveness for Transitions toward Greater Electrification in Developing Countries
Authors: Best Rohan , Burke Paul
Published: August 2017

Electricity is a vital factor underlying modern living standards, but there are many developing countries with low levels of electricity access and use. We seek to systematically identify the crucial elements underlying transitions toward greater electrification in developing countries. We use a cross-sectional regression approach with national-level data up to 2012 for 135 low- and middle-income countries. The paper finds that the effectiveness of governments is the most important governance attribute for encouraging the transition to increased electrification in developing countries, on average. The results add to the growing evidence on the importance of governance for development outcomes. Donors seeking to make more successful contributions to electrification may wish to target countries with more effective governments.
Multivalued Coefficient Prestorage and Block Parallel Method for Real-Time Simulation of Microgrid on FRTDS
Authors: Zhang Bingda , Zhao Dan , Jin Zhao , Wu Yanjie
Published: August 2017

The microgrid containing a large amount of high frequency power switches and nonlinear components has put forward high requirements for power system real-time simulation technology. Multivalued coefficient prestorage can reduce the calculation steps in real-time simulation. In order to reduce the storage pressure of the multivalued coefficients, the whole network is divided into multiple subnetworks that can be simulated in parallel, and only the parameters for computing input variables and internal variables are prestored. The multiport hybrid equivalent is performed to reduce the number of simultaneous network equations. The input variables are tied to state variables of the circuit so that the iterative calculation is limited to the local network. The devised methodology is validated through simulation of a low-voltage microgrid on a field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based real-time digital simulation (FRTDS) platform at a 5 μs time step. Comparison with a power systems computer aided design (PSCAD)/electromagnetic transients including DC (EMTDC) model shows that the proposed method is effective.
Numerical Simulation and Optimization of the Melting Process of Phase Change Material inside Horizontal Annulus
Authors: Li Saiwei , Chen Yu , Sun Zhiqiang
Published: August 2017

Latent heat storage (LHS) technologies adopting phase change materials (PCMs) are increasingly being used to bridge the spatiotemporal mismatch between energy production and demand, especially in industries like solar power, where strong cyclic fluctuations exist. The shell-and-tube configuration is among the most prevalent ones in LHS and thus draws special attention from researchers. This paper presents numerical investigations on the melting of PCM, a paraffin blend RT27, inside a horizontal annulus. The volume of fluid model was adopted to permit density changes with the solidification/melting model wherein natural convection was taken into account. The eccentricity and diameter of the inner tube, sub-cooling degree of the PCM, and the heating-surface temperature were considered as variables for study. Through the evaluation of the melting time and exergy efficiency, the optimal parameters of the horizontal annulus were obtained. The results showed that the higher the heating boundary temperature, the earlier the convection appeared and the shorter the melting time. Also, the different eccentricity and diameters of the inner tube influenced the annulus tube interior temperature distribution, which in turn determined the strength and distribution of the resulting natural convection, resulting in varying melting rates.
Proposal for a Simplified CFD Procedure for Obtaining Patterns of the Age of Air in Outdoor Spaces for the Natural Ventilation of Buildings
Authors: Padilla-Marcos Miguel , Meiss Alberto , Feijó-Muñoz Jesús
Published: August 2017

Built urban environments modify the air quality of the natural ventilation processes in buildings. The experimental assessment of outdoor air change (OACH) processes is complex due to the air volumes involved. The quality of the OACH can be analysed through the ventilation efficiency concept, which has been extensively studied in order to characterize the ventilation of indoor spaces. Ventilation efficiency through the age-of-the-air concept assesses the air-change capacity of a certain space. A procedure formulation for obtaining an adequate control domain (CD) to evaluate outdoor air change efficiency (OACE) is proposed. A methodology in two phases is presented: first, an evaluation stage, in which the outdoor air behaviour patterns are studied; then, a second phase where an ideal control domain (ICD) is obtained in order to comparatively assess several cases in similar urban environments. The outcomes determine a proposed ICD for evaluating the design of efficiently ventilated buildings in open urban built environments. The methodology of validation proposed simplifies the assessment of the building shape and its impact on the quality of the OACH by the OACE. The suggested ICD has dimensions of L = 5H; D = 3H; and T = 2H. ICD enables the representation of the air behaviour and fulfils the imposed requirements to evaluate efficiency with a mean accuracy lower than 0.6%.
Integrated Bioethanol Fermentation/Anaerobic Digestion for Valorization of Sugar Beet Pulp
Authors: Berlowska Joanna , Pielech-Przybylska Katarzyna , Balcerek Maria , Cieciura Weronika , Borowski Sebastian , Kregiel Dorota
Published: August 2017

Large amounts of waste biomass are generated in sugar factories from the processing of sugar beets. After diffusion with hot water to draw the sugar from the beet pieces, a wet material remains called pulp. In this study, waste sugar beet pulp biomass was enzymatically depolymerized, and the obtained hydrolyzates were subjected to fermentation processes. Bioethanol, biomethane, and biohydrogen were produced directly from the substrate or in combined mode. Stillage, a distillery by-product, was used as a feedstock for anaerobic digestion. During biosynthesis of ethanol, most of the carbohydrates released from the sugar beet pulp were utilized by a co-culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ethanol Red, and Scheffersomyces stipitis LOCK0047 giving 12.6 g/L of ethanol. Stillage containing unfermented sugars (mainly arabinose, galactose and raffinose) was found to be a good substrate for methane production (444 dm3 CH4/kg volatile solids (VS)). Better results were achieved with this medium than with enzymatic saccharified biomass. Thermal pre-treatment and adjusting the pH of the inoculum resulted in higher hydrogen production. The largest (p < 0.05) hydrogen yield (252 dm3 H2/kg VS) was achieved with sugar beet stillage (SBS). In contrast, without pre-treatment the same medium yielded 35 dm3 H2/kg VS. However, dark fermentation of biohydrogen was more efficient when sugar beet pulp hydrolyzate was used.
A Markov Chain Model for Simulating Wood Supply from Any-Aged Forest Management Based on National Forest Inventory (NFI) Data
Authors: Vauhkonen Jari , Packalen Tuula
Published: August 2017

Markov chain models have been applied for a long time to simulate forest dynamics based on transitions in matrices of tree diameter classes or areas of forest size and structure types. To date, area-based matrix models have been applied assuming either even-aged or uneven-aged forest management. However, both management systems may be applied simultaneously due to land-use constraints or the rationality of combining the systems, which is called any-aged management. We integrated two different Markov chain models, one for even-aged and another for uneven-aged forest management, in an area-based approach to analyze wood supply from any-aged forest management. We evaluate the impacts of parameterizing the model based on available data sets, namely permanent and temporary Finnish National Forest Inventory (NFI) sample plots and a plot-level simulator to determine transitions due to different types of thinning treatments, and present recommendations for the related methodological choices. Our overall observation is that the combined modelling chain simulated the development of both the even- and uneven-aged forest structures realistically. Due to the flexibility of the implementation, the approach is very well suited for situations where scenario assumptions need to be varied according to expected changes in silvicultural practices or land-use constraints, for example.
Aflatoxin B1 Contamination in Chicken Livers and Gizzards from Industrial and Small Abattoirs, Measured by ELISA Technique in Maputo, Mozambique
Authors: Sineque Alberto , Macuamule Custódia , Dos Anjos Filomena
Published: August 2017

Aflatoxins are the most toxic and carcinogenic mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus species. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination in industrial and local chicken livers and gizzards in Maputo was investigated. One hundred boiler livers and 80 boiler gizzards were collected from industrial and local cutting poultry production sectors. The samples were analyzed by the ELISA method (MaxSignal®, Bioo Scientific Corporation). AFB1 was found in 39% of liver samples and 13.8% of gizzards, with mean levels of 1.73 µg/kg and 1.07 µg/kg, respectively. The frequency of contamination and AFB1 levels in samples from local sector producers was not significantly higher than those from industrial sector producers (p > 0.05). No correlation was found (p = 0.493; r2 = 0.013) between AFB1 levels in livers and hepatic weights. The AFB1 levels were lower than the allowed limits, suggesting that these products do not pose high risk to consumers. Notwithstanding, there is a need to implement aflatoxin residue monitoring and controls in all chicken meat products; this economic and efficient technique appears to be valuable for improved food safety in Mozambique.
Self-Rated Health Status and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in a Sample of Schoolchildren from Bogotá, Colombia. The FUPRECOL Study
Authors: Ramírez-Vélez Robinson , Silva-Moreno Carolina , Correa-Bautista Jorge , González-Ruíz Katherine , Prieto-Benavides Daniel , Villa-González Emilio , García-Hermoso Antonio
Published: August 2017

To evaluate the relationship between Self-Rated Health (SRH) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in a sample of children and adolescents enrolled in official schools in Bogotá, Colombia. A cross-sectional study was performed with 7402 children and adolescents between 9 and 17 years of age. Participants were asked to rate their health based on eight validated questions, addressing the participants propensity for headache, stomach-ache, backache, feeling-low, irritability/bad mood, nervousness, sleeping-difficulties, and dizziness. The choices were “rarely or never”, “almost every month”, “almost every week”, and “more than once a week/about every day”. Participants performed the international course-navette shuttle run test to estimate CRF, and cut-off points for age and gender were used to categorize the healthy/unhealthy fitness zone according to the FITNESSGRAM® criteria. Overall, 16.4% of those surveyed reported a perception of irritability/bad mood “more than once a week/about every day”, followed by feeling-low and nervousness (both with 9.9%). Dizziness had the lowest prevalence with a percentage of 6.9%. Unhealthy CRF in boys increased the likelihood of headaches by 1.20 times, stomach aches by 1.31 times, feeling-low by 1.29 times, nervousness by 1.24 times, and dizziness by 1.29 times. In girls, unhealthy CRF increased the likelihood of headaches by 1.19 times, backache by 1.26 times, feeling-low by 1.28 times, irritability/bad mood by 1.17 times, sleeping-difficulties by 1.20 times, and dizziness by 1.27 times. SRH was associated with CRF in both genders. Early identification of children and adolescents with low CRF levels will permit interventions to promote healthy behaviors and prevent future diseases during adulthood.
Identifying and Analyzing the Prevalent Regions of a Co-Location Pattern Using Polygons Clustering Approach
Authors: Yu Wenhao
Published: August 2017

Given a co-location pattern consisting of spatial features, the prevalent region mining process identifies local areas in which these features are co-located with a high probability. Many approaches have been proposed for co-location mining due to its key role in public safety, social-economic development and environmental management. However, traditionally, most of the solutions focus on itemsets mining and results outputting in a textual format, which fail to adequately treat all the spatial nature of the underlying entities and processes. In this paper, we propose a new co-location analysis approach to find the prevalent regions of a pattern. The approach combines kernel density estimation and polygons clustering techniques to specifically consider the correlation, heterogeneity and contextual information existing within complex spatial interactions. A kernel density estimation surface is created for each feature and subsequently the generated multiple surfaces are combined into a final surface with cell attribute representing the pattern prevalence measure value. Polygons consisting of cells are then extracted according to the predefined threshold. Through adding appended environmental data to the polygons, an outcome of similar groups is achieved using polygons clustering approach. The effectiveness of our approach is evaluated using Points-of-Interest datasets in Shenzhen, China.
Geospatial Google Street View with Virtual Reality: A Motivational Approach for Spatial Training Education
Authors: Carbonell-Carrera Carlos , Saorín Jose Luis
Published: August 2017

Motivation is a determining factor in the learning process, and encourages the student to participate in activities that increase their performance. Learning strategies supplemented by computer technology in a scenario-based learning environment can improve students′ motivation for spatial knowledge acquisition. In this sense, a workshop carried out with 43-second year engineering students supported by Google Street View mobile geospatial application for location-based tasks is presented, in which participants work in an immersive wayfinding 3D urban environment on virtual reality. Students use their own smartphones with Google Street View application integrated in virtual reality (VR) 3D glasses with a joystick as locomotion interface. The tool to analyse the motivational factor of this pedagogical approach is the multidimensional measurement device Intrinsic Motivation Inventory with six subscales: interest, perceived competence, perceived choice, effort, tension, and value, measured on a seven point Likert scale. Scores in all subscales considered are above 4 on a scale of 7. A usability study conducted at the end of the experiment provides values above 3 on a scale of 5 in efficacy, efficiency and satisfaction. The results of the experiment carried out indicate that geospatial Google Street View application in Virtual Reality is a motivating educational purpose in the field of spatial training.
Dexmedetomidine Prevents Lipopolysaccharide-Induced MicroRNA Expression in the Adult Rat Brain
Authors: Paeschke Nadine , Von Haefen Clarissa , Endesfelder Stefanie , Sifringer Marco , Spies Claudia
Published: August 2017

During surgery or infection, peripheral inflammation can lead to neuroinflammation, which is associated with cognitive impairment, neurodegeneration, and several neurodegenerative diseases. Dexmedetomidine, an α-2-adrenoceptor agonist, is known to exert anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties and reduces the incidence of postoperative cognitive impairments. However, on the whole the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. This study aims to explore whether dexmedetomidine influences microRNAs (miRNAs) in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation. Adult Wistar rats were injected with 1 mg/kg LPS intraperitoneal (i.p.) in the presence or absence of 5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine. After 6 h, 24 h, and 7 days, gene expressions of interleukin 1-β (IL1-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and microRNA expressions of miR 124, 132, 134, and 155 were measured in the hippocampus, cortex, and plasma. Dexmedetomidine decreased the LPS-induced neuroinflammation in the hippocampus and cortex via significant reduction of the IL1-β and TNF-α gene expressions after 24 h. Moreover, the LPS-mediated increased expressions of miR 124, 132, 134, and 155 were significantly decreased after dexmedetomidine treatment in both brain regions. In plasma, dexmedetomidine significantly reduced LPS-induced miR 155 after 6 h. Furthermore, there is evidence that miR 132 and 134 may be suitable as potential biomarkers for the detection of neuroinflammation.
Insights from Second-Line Treatments for Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Luciani Marco , Del Monte Federica
Published: August 2017

Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an independent nosographic entity characterized by left ventricular dilatation and contractile dysfunction leading to heart failure (HF). The idiopathic form of DCM (iDCM) occurs in the absence of coronaropathy or other known causes of DCM. Despite being different from other forms of HF for demographic, clinical, and prognostic features, its current pharmacological treatment does not significantly diverge. Methods: In this study we performed a Pubmed library search for placebo-controlled clinical investigations and a post-hoc analysis recruiting iDCM from 1985 to 2016. We searched for second-line pharmacologic treatments to reconsider drugs for iDCM management and pinpoint pathological mechanisms. Results: We found 33 clinical studies recruiting a total of 3392 patients of various durations and sizes, as well as studies that tested different drug classes (statins, pentoxifylline, inotropes). A metanalysis was unfeasible, although a statistical significance for changes upon treatment for molecular results, morphofunctional parameters, and clinical endpoints was reported. Statins appeared to be beneficial in light of their pleiotropic effects; inotropes might be tolerated more for longer times in iDCM compared to ischemic patients. General anti-inflammatory therapies do not significantly improve outcomes. Metabolic and growth modulation remain appealing fields to be investigated. Conclusions: The evaluation of drug effectiveness based on direct clinical benefit is an inductive method providing evidence-based insights. This backward approach sheds light on putative and underestimated pathologic mechanisms and thus therapeutic targets for iDCM management.
Mn2+-ZnSe/ZnS@SiO2 Nanoparticles for Turn-on Luminescence Thiol Detection
Authors: Yazdanparast Mohammad , Jeffries William , Gray Eric , McLaurin Emily
Published: August 2017

Biological thiols are antioxidants essential for the prevention of disease. For example, low levels of the tripeptide glutathione are associated with heart disease, cancer, and dementia. Mn2+-doped wide bandgap semiconductor nanocrystals exhibit luminescence and magnetic properties that make them attractive for bimodal imaging. We found that these nanocrystals and silica-encapsulated nanoparticle derivatives exhibit enhanced luminescence in the presence of thiols in both organic solvent and aqueous solution. The key to using these nanocrystals as sensors is control over their surfaces. The addition of a ZnS barrier layer or shell produces more stable nanocrystals that are isolated from their surroundings, and luminescence enhancement is only observed with thinner, intermediate shells. Tunability is demonstrated with dodecanethiol and sensitivities decrease with thin, medium, and thick shells. Turn-on nanoprobe luminescence is also generated by several biological thiols, including glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, cysteine, and dithiothreitol. Nanoparticles prepared with different ZnS shell thicknesses demonstrated varying sensitivity to glutathione, which allows for the tuning of particle sensitivity without optimization. The small photoluminescence response to control amino acids and salts indicates selectivity for thiols. Preliminary magnetic measurements highlight the challenge of optimizing sensors for different imaging modalities. In this work, we assess the prospects of using these nanoparticles as luminescent turn-on thiol sensors and for MRI.
Some Parents Are More Equal than Others: Discrimination against People with Disabilities under Adoption Law
Authors: Connell Blake
Published: August 2017

Article 23 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) explicitly includes ‘the adoption of children’ as a right to which people with disabilities are equally entitled. Despite the CRPD having been in force for over nine years, research is yet to consider whether CRPD signatory states have brought their respective adoption regimes in line with their obligations under art 23 of the CRPD. Using the laws of the Australian state of Victoria by way of case study, this article aims to shed light on the difficulties people with disabilities still face when attempting to adopt children. In terms of methodology, this article conducts an interpretive critique of Victoria’s adoption law against art 23 of the CRPD, which it interprets mainly through the lens of the social model of disability. Ultimately, this article finds that Victoria’s adoption framework closely resembles the adoption regimes of many other CRPD signatories, yet it clearly fails to uphold Australia’s obligations under the CRPD. This is both as a result of the words of the legislation as well as their implementation in practice. This article proposes a suite of changes, both legislative and cultural, to bring Victoria’s adoption framework in line with art 23, which it hopes will serve as a catalyst for change in other CRPD signatory states.
Identification of Upper and Lower Level Yield Strength in Materials
Authors: Valíček Jan , Harničárová Marta , Kopal Ivan , Palková Zuzana , Kušnerová Milena , Panda Anton , Šepelák Vladimír
Published: August 2017

This work evaluates the possibility of identifying mechanical parameters, especially upper and lower yield points, by the analytical processing of specific elements of the topography of surfaces generated with abrasive waterjet technology. We developed a new system of equations, which are connected with each other in such a way that the result of a calculation is a comprehensive mathematical–physical model, which describes numerically as well as graphically the deformation process of material cutting using an abrasive waterjet. The results of our model have been successfully checked against those obtained by means of a tensile test. The main prospect for future applications of the method presented in this article concerns the identification of mechanical parameters associated with the prediction of material behavior. The findings of this study can contribute to a more detailed understanding of the relationships: material properties—tool properties—deformation properties.
Biological Activities of Three Essential Oils of the Lamiaceae Family
Authors: Nieto Gema
Published: August 2017

Herbs and spices have been used since ancient times to improve the sensory characteristics of food, to act as preservatives and for their nutritional and healthy properties. Herbs and spices are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and are excellent substitutes for chemical additives. Essential oils are mixtures of volatile compounds obtained, mainly by steam distillation, from medicinal and aromatic plants. They are an alternative to synthetic additives for the food industry, and they have gained attention as potential sources for natural food preservatives due to the growing interest in the development of safe, effective, natural food preservation. Lamiaceae is one of the most important families in the production of essential oils with antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. Aromatic plants are rich in essential oils and are mainly found in the Mediterranean region, where the production of such oils is a profitable source of ecological and economic development. The use of essential oils with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties to increase the shelf life of food is a promising technology, and the essential oils of the Lamiaceae family, such as rosemary, thyme, and sage, have been extensively studied with respect to their use as food preservatives. Regarding the new applications of essential oils, this review gives an overview of the current knowledge and recent trends in the use of these oils from aromatic plants as antimicrobials and antioxidants in foods, as well as their biological activities, future potential, and challenges.
Influence of the Heating Rate on the Foaming Behavior of Various Aluminium Alloys
Authors: Neu Tillmann , Pfretzschner Beate , García-Moreno Francisco , Banhart John
Published: August 2017

Powders of metallurgically prepared precursors expand to a foam differently depending on how fast they are heated to their foaming temperature. The foaming behavior of four alloys was studied with heating rates varying from 0.1 K/s to 18 K/s. It was found that each alloy shows its own non-linear behavior of expansion values. Alloys not containing magnesium exhibit a maximum at intermediate heating rates, whereas Mg-containing alloys tend to expand more for higher heating rates.
Impact of Soil Warming on the Plant Metabolome of Icelandic Grasslands
Authors: Gargallo-Garriga Albert , Ayala-Roque Marta , Sardans Jordi , Bartrons Mireia , Granda Victor , Sigurdsson Bjarni , Leblans Niki , Oravec Michal , Urban Otmar , Janssens Ivan , Peñuelas Josep
Published: August 2017

Climate change is stronger at high than at temperate and tropical latitudes. The natural geothermal conditions in southern Iceland provide an opportunity to study the impact of warming on plants, because of the geothermal bedrock channels that induce stable gradients of soil temperature. We studied two valleys, one where such gradients have been present for centuries (long-term treatment), and another where new gradients were created in 2008 after a shallow crustal earthquake (short-term treatment). We studied the impact of soil warming (0 to +15 °C) on the foliar metabolomes of two common plant species of high northern latitudes: Agrostis capillaris, a monocotyledon grass; and Ranunculus acris, a dicotyledonous herb, and evaluated the dependence of shifts in their metabolomes on the length of the warming treatment. The two species responded differently to warming, depending on the length of exposure. The grass metabolome clearly shifted at the site of long-term warming, but the herb metabolome did not. The main up-regulated compounds at the highest temperatures at the long-term site were saccharides and amino acids, both involved in heat-shock metabolic pathways. Moreover, some secondary metabolites, such as phenolic acids and terpenes, associated with a wide array of stresses, were also up-regulated. Most current climatic models predict an increase in annual average temperature between 2–8 °C over land masses in the Arctic towards the end of this century. The metabolomes of A. capillaris and R. acris shifted abruptly and nonlinearly to soil warming >5 °C above the control temperature for the coming decades. These results thus suggest that a slight warming increase may not imply substantial changes in plant function, but if the temperature rises more than 5 °C, warming may end up triggering metabolic pathways associated with heat stress in some plant species currently dominant in this region.
On-Chip Microplasmas for the Detection of Radioactive Cesium Contamination in Seawater
Authors: Joffrion Joshua , Mills Darrian , Clower William , Wilson Chester
Published: August 2017

On-chip microplasmas have previously been used in designing a compact and portable device for identifying pollutants in a water sample. By exciting a liquid sample with a high energy microdischarge and recording the spectral wavelengths emitted, the individual elements in the liquid are distinguishable. In particular, this study focuses on cesium, a contaminant from nuclear incidents such as the collapse of the nuclear power plant in Fukushima, Japan. This article shows that not only can the presence of cesium be clearly determined at concentrations as low as 10 ppb, but the relative concentration contained in the sample can be determined through the discharges’ relative spectral intensity.