bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resistance Spot Welding of SUS316L Austenitic/SUS425 Ferritic Stainless Steels: Weldment Characteristics, Mechanical Properties, Phase Transformation and Solidification
Authors: Khuenkaew Teerawut , Kanlayasiri Kannachai
Published: June 2019

This research examines the weldment characteristics and mechanical properties of lap joints of SUS316L/SUS425 stainless steels using resistance spot welding under variable weld currents and welding times. The weld current was varied between 7.0, 8.5, and 10.0 kA, and the welding time between 25, 38, and 50 cycles. The weldment quality characteristics under study were the depth of fusions, indentation depths, and nugget diameter, and the mechanical properties included the tensile shear force (TSF) and micro Vickers hardness. Phase transformation and solidification were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, together with Schaeffler and pseudo-binary predictive phase diagrams. The results revealed that the weldment quality was positively correlated with weld current and welding time, as were the TSF and micro hardness. The optimal welding condition was achieved under a 10.0 kA weld current and 25-cycle welding time. Under the optimal condition, the fusion zone exhibited compression-direction columnar grains consisting of austenite, ferrite, and martensite and the solidification was of ferrite plus Widmanstatten austenite.
Antibiotic Pollution in the Environment: From Microbial Ecology to Public Policy
Authors: Kraemer Susanne A. , Ramachandran Arthi , Perron Gabriel G.
Published: June 2019

The ability to fight bacterial infections with antibiotics has been a longstanding cornerstone of modern medicine. However, wide-spread overuse and misuse of antibiotics has led to unintended consequences, which in turn require large-scale changes of policy for mitigation. In this review, we address two broad classes of corollaries of antibiotics overuse and misuse. Firstly, we discuss the spread of antibiotic resistance from hotspots of resistance evolution to the environment, with special concerns given to potential vectors of resistance transmission. Secondly, we outline the effects of antibiotic pollution independent of resistance evolution on natural microbial populations, as well as invertebrates and vertebrates. We close with an overview of current regional policies tasked with curbing the effects of antibiotics pollution and outline areas in which such policies are still under development.
Thermal Behavior and Phase Transition of Uric Acid and Its Dihydrate Form, the Common Biominerals Uricite and Tinnunculite
Authors: Izatulina Alina R. , Gurzhiy Vladislav V. , Krzhizhanovskaya Maria G. , Chukanov Nikita V. , Panikorovskii Taras L.
Published: June 2019

Single crystals and powder samples of uric acid and uric acid dihydrate, known as uricite and tinnunculite biominerals, were extracted from renal stones and studied using single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction (SC and PXRD) at various temperatures, as well as IR spectroscopy. The results of high-temperature PXRD experiments revealed that the structure of uricite is stable up to 380 °C, and then it loses crystallinity. The crystal structure of tinnunculite is relatively stable up to 40 °C, whereas above this temperature, rapid release of H2O molecules occurs followed by the direct transition to uricite phase without intermediate hydration states. SCXRD studies and IR spectroscopy data confirmed the similarity of uricite and tinnunculite crystal structures. SCXRD at low temperatures allowed us to determine the dynamics of the unit cells induced by temperature variations. The thermal behavior of uricite and tinnunculite is essentially anisotropic; the structures not only expand, but also contract with temperature increase. The maximal expansion occurs along the unit cell parameter of 7 Å (b in uricite and a in tinnunculite) as a result of the shifts of chains of H-bonded uric acid molecules and relaxation of the π-stacking forces, the weakest intermolecular interactions in these structures. The strongest contraction in the structure of uricite occurs perpendicular to the (101) plane, which is due to the orthogonalization of the monoclinic angle. The structure of tinnunculite also contracts along the [010] direction, which is mostly due to the stretching mechanism of the uric acid chains. These phase transitions that occur within the range of physiological temperatures emphasize the particular importance of the structural studies within the urate system, due to their importance in terms of human health. The removal of supersaturation in uric acid in urine at the initial stages of stone formation can occur due to the formation of metastable uric acid dihydrate in accordance with the Ostwald rule, which would serve as a nucleus for the subsequent growth of the stone at further formation stages; afterward, it irreversibly dehydrates into anhydrous uric acid.
Mineralogical Analysis of Mortars in the Walls of Ávila (Spain) and Its Surroundings
Authors: de Soto García Isabel , de Soto García María , García Giménez Rosario
Published: June 2019

The present article evaluated the mineralogical composition of 85 mortar samples from some emblematic monuments of Ávila city (Spain), which were collected during the restoration of the monuments. The aim of this article is to try to extract the relationship between the composition and the origin of the raw materials, as well as to identify possible alterations in the samples. The study of the samples was carried out using visual and petrographic techniques such as stereoscopic microscope, XRD, and SEM/EDX analysis. The main components of the mortars were calcite, feldspar and quartz, although small amounts of phyllosilicates were also identified. The minerals of the mortars came from the surroundings of the city, and some of the samples presented evident alteration of the original materials due to humidity, salt concentration, and biological weathering, possibly inducted by unfortunate effects of the restoration. Finally, a study of the salts present in some mortars showed that most samples display contamination of soluble salts such as halite, thenardite, hexaedrite, and carnalite. This investigation offers fresh insight into historic building activity and related techniques, and should provide knowledge useful for restoration and conservation processes.
Hexagonal Mesoporous Silica as a Rapid, Efficient and Versatile Tool for MALDI-TOF MS Sample Preparation in Clinical Peptidomics Analysis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Terracciano Rosa , Preianò Mariaimmacolata , Maggisano Giuseppina , Pelaia Corrado , Savino Rocco
Published: June 2019

Improvement in high-throughput MALDI-TOF MS analysis requires practical and efficient sample preparation protocols for high acquisition rates. The use of hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS) sorbents in combination with MALDI-TOF MS was explored as a versatile tool for peptidomic profiling of clinical specimens difficult to process, but considered important sources of disease biomarkers: synovial fluid and sputum. A rapid and efficient procedure, based on dispersive solid-phase extraction of peptides using commercially available wormhole mesostructured HMS, was tested for: a) pre-concentration of standard peptides in serially diluted solution up to the sub-nanomolar range; b) peptidome profiling of sputum and synovial fluid. The use of HMS, as dispersed sponges, significantly amplified the peptidic repertoire of sputum and synovial fluid by excluding from the adsorptive process large size proteins, which mask and/or suppress peptidome signals. The protocol proposed, as dispersive solid phase extraction, ensures good analytical performances. Moreover, it is economical and rapid, as it avoids the use of less reproducible and prolonged sample preparation procedures, such as the use of ultrafiltration filter devices. These findings may contribute to defining a high-throughput screening MS-based platform for monitoring key peptidic features of difficult to analyse bodily fluids in a clinical setting.
Improved Methods for Treatment of Phytopathogenic Biofilms: Metallic Compounds as Anti-Bacterial Coatings and Fungicide Tank-Mix Partners
Authors: Harding Michael , Nadworny Patricia , Buziak Brenton , Omar Amin , Daniels Greg , Feng Jie
Published: June 2019

Fungi and bacteria cause disease issues in cultivated plants world-wide. In most cases, the fungi and bacteria colonize plant tissues as biofilms, which can be very challenging to destroy or eradicate. In this experiment, we employed a novel (biofilm) approach to crop disease management by evaluating the efficacies of six fungicides, and four silver-based compounds, versus biofilms formed by fungi and bacteria, respectively. The aim was to identify combinations of fungicides and metallic cations that showed potential to improve the control of white mold (WM), caused by the ascomycete fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and to evaluate novel high valency silver compounds as seed coatings to prevent biofilm formation of four bacterial blight pathogens on dry bean seeds. Our results confirmed that mature fungal biofilms were recalcitrant to inactivation by fungicides. When metallic cations were added to the fungicides, their efficacies were improved. Some improvements were statistically significant, with one combination (fluazinam + Cu2+) showing a synergistic effect. Additionally, coatings with silver compounds could reduce bacterial blight biofilms on dry bean seeds and oxysilver nitrate was the most potent inhibitor of bacterial blight.
Larvicidal Compounds Extracted from Helicteres velutina K. Schum (Sterculiaceae) Evaluated against Aedes aegypti L.
Authors: Fernandes Diégina , Barros Renata , Teles Yanna , Oliveira Louise , Lima Jéssica , Scotti Marcus , Nunes Fabíola , Conceição Adilva , Vanderlei de Souza Maria
Published: June 2019

Helicteres velutina K. Schum (Sterculiaceae), a member of Malvaceae sensu lato, is a Brazilian endemic plant that has been used by the indigenous tribe Pankarare as an insect repellent. A previous study has reported the isolation of terpenoids, flavonoids and pheophytins, in addition to the larvicidal activity of crude H. velutina extracts derived from the aerial components (leaves, branches/twigs, and flowers). The present study reports the biomonitoring of the effects of fractions and isolated compounds derived from H. velutina against A. aegypti fourth instar larvae. A crude ethanol extract was submitted to liquid–liquid extraction with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol to obtain their respective fractions. Larvicidal evaluations of the fractions were performed, and the hexane and dichloromethane fractions exhibited greater activities than the other fractions, with LC50 (50% lethal concentration) values of 3.88 and 5.80 mg/mL, respectively. The phytochemical study of these fractions resulted in the isolation and identification of 17 compounds. The molecules were subjected to a virtual screening protocol, and five molecules presented potential larvicidal activity after analyses of their applicability domains. When molecular docking was analysed, only three of these compounds showed an ability to bind with sterol carrier protein-2 (1PZ4), a protein found in the larval intestine. The compounds tiliroside and 7,4′-di-O-methyl-8-O-sulphate flavone showed in vitro larvicidal activity, with LC50 values of 0.275 mg/mL after 72 h and 0.182 mg/mL after 24 h of exposure, respectively. This is the first study to demonstrate the larvicidal activity of sulphated flavonoids against A. aegypti. Our results showed that the presence of the OSO3H group attached to C-8 of the flavonoid was crucial to the larvicidal activity. This research supports the traditional use of H. velutina as an alternative insecticide for the control of A. aegypti, which is a vector for severe arboviruses, such as dengue and chikungunya.
Inhibition of the Self-Assembly of Aβ and of Tau by Polyphenols: Mechanistic Studies
Authors: Zheng Qiuchen , Kebede Micheal T. , Kemeh Merc M. , Islam Saadman , Lee Bethany , Bleck Stuart D. , Wurfl Liliana A. , Lazo Noel D.
Published: June 2019

The amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide and tau protein are thought to play key neuropathogenic roles in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Both Aβ and tau self-assemble to form the two major pathological hallmarks of AD: amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, respectively. In this review, we show that naturally occurring polyphenols abundant in fruits, vegetables, red wine, and tea possess the ability to target pathways associated with the formation of assemblies of Aβ and tau. Polyphenols modulate the enzymatic processing of the amyloid-β precursor protein and inhibit toxic Aβ oligomerization by enhancing the clearance of Aβ42 monomer, modulating monomer–monomer interactions and remodeling oligomers to non-toxic forms. Additionally, polyphenols modulate tau hyperphosphorylation and inhibit tau β-sheet formation. The anti-Aβ-self-assembly and anti-tau-self-assembly effects of polyphenols increase their potential as preventive or therapeutic agents against AD, a complex disease that involves many pathological mechanisms.
Niosomal Nanocarriers for Enhanced Skin Delivery of Quercetin with Functions of Anti-Tyrosinase and Antioxidant
Authors: Lu Banyi , Huang Yanting , Chen Zhongyun , Ye Jingyi , Xu Hongyu , Chen Wenrong , Long Xiaoying
Published: June 2019

This study aimed to screen an effective flavonoid with promising whitening and antioxidant capacities, and design flavonoid-loaded niosomes to improve its solubility, stability, and penetration. In vitro anti-tyrosinase and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging experiments were conducted to investigate the whitening and antioxidant capacities of several flavonoids, including quercetin, morin, festin, myricetin, rutin, and breviscapine. The conductivity, viscosity, and particle size of Span60-RH40-based formulation of nonionic surfactant vesicles (niosomes) with different mass ratios were studied to determine the most appropriate formulation. Drug-loaded niosomes were characterized for size, zeta potential, morphology, and entrapment efficiency. The photostability, solubility, release behavior, ex vivo drug penetration, and skin retention were also studied. The results showed that quercetin has considerable whitening and antioxidant capacities and Span60-RH40 at a mass ratio of 9:11 forms spherical or oval niosomes of 97.6 ± 3.1 nm with a zeta potential range of 31.1 ± 0.9 mV, and drug entrapment efficiency as high as 87.3 ± 1.6%. Niosomes remarkably improved the solubility and photostability of quercetin. Furthermore, compared to quercetin solution, quercetin-niosomes had the advantages of sustained release and improved transdermal penetration, with skin retention 2.95 times higher than quercetin solution.
Amorphous Carbon Generation as a Photocatalytic Reaction on DNA-Assembled Gold and Silver Nanostructures
Authors: Heck Christian , Kanehira Yuya , Kneipp Janina , Bald Ilko
Published: June 2019

Background signals from in situ-formed amorphous carbon, despite not being fully understood, are known to be a common issue in few-molecule surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Here, discrete gold and silver nanoparticle aggregates assembled by DNA origami were used to study the conditions for the formation of amorphous carbon during SERS measurements. Gold and silver dimers were exposed to laser light of varied power densities and wavelengths. Amorphous carbon prevalently formed on silver aggregates and at high power densities. Time-resolved measurements enabled us to follow the formation of amorphous carbon. Silver nanolenses consisting of three differently-sized silver nanoparticles were used to follow the generation of amorphous carbon at the single-nanostructure level. This allowed observation of the many sharp peaks that constitute the broad amorphous carbon signal found in ensemble measurements. In conclusion, we highlight strategies to prevent amorphous carbon formation, especially for DNA-assembled SERS substrates.
Association between Parent and Child Dietary Sodium and Potassium Intakes: Aomori Prefectural Health and Nutrition Survey, 2016
Authors: Koyama Tatsuya , Yoshiike Nobuo
Published: June 2019

This study investigated the association between parent and child sodium and potassium intakes using data from the 2016 Aomori Prefectural Health and Nutrition Survey. We analyzed one day dietary record data of 103 mothers, 94 fathers, 51 children aged 1–3 years, 39 children aged 4–6 years, 91 children aged 7–14 years, and 56 children aged 15–19 years. We also examined the association of sodium and potassium intake between co-habiting grandparents and their grandchildren. After adjusting for covariates, the total daily sodium intake in mothers was positively associated with that in children for every age group. Potassium intakes by the mothers during breakfast and dinner were positively associated with those in children aged 1–3, 4–6, and 7–14 years. The associations in sodium and potassium intakes between fathers and children were weaker. In addition, these associations were similar to those between the sodium intakes of grandchildren and their grandparents. The association between mother and child sodium and potassium intakes at breakfast and dinner was related to the consumption of similar foods, which suggests the importance of home environment in influencing total dietary sodium and potassium intake in Japanese people.
Improving Nutrition Care, Delivery, and Intakes Among Hospitalised Patients: A Mixed Methods, Integrated Knowledge Translation Study
Authors: Roberts Shelley , Williams Lauren T. , Sladdin Ishtar , Neil Heidi , Hopper Zane , Jenkins Julie , Spencer Alan , Marshall Andrea P.
Published: June 2019

Malnutrition is a common and complex problem in hospitals. This study used an integrated knowledge translation approach to develop, implement, and evaluate a multifaceted, tailored intervention to improve nutrition care, delivery, and intake among acute medical inpatients. This observational, pre-post study was conducted in a medical ward at a public hospital in Australia. The intervention was co-developed with key stakeholders and targeted three levels: individuals (nutrition intake magnets at patient bedsides), the ward (multidisciplinary hospital staff training), and the organisation (foodservice system changes). Observational data were collected pre- and post-intervention on patient demographics, food intakes, and the mealtime environment. Data were entered into SPSS and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Ethical approval was gained through the hospital and university ethics committees. A total of 207 patients were observed; 116 pre- and 91 post-intervention. After intervention implementation, patients’ mean energy and protein intakes (in proportion to their estimated requirements) were significantly higher and the number of patients eating adequately doubled (p < 0.05). In summary, a multifaceted, pragmatic intervention, tailored to the study context and developed and implemented alongside hospital staff and patients, seemed to be effective in improving nutrition practices and patient nutrition intakes on an acute medical ward.
Synthesis of Poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)-Based Polymer Bottlebrushes by ATRPA and RAFT Polymerization: Toward Drug Delivery Application
Authors: Huang Yi-Shen , Chen Jem-Kun , Kuo Shiao-Wei , Hsieh Ya-An , Yamamoto Shota , Nakanishi Jun , Huang Chih-Feng
Published: June 2019

Atom transfer radical polyaddition (ATRPA) was utilized herein to synthesize a specific functional polyester. We conducted ATRPA of 4-vinylbenzyl 2-bromo-2-phenylacetate (VBBPA) inimer and successfully obtained a linear type poly(VBBPA) (PVBBPA) polyester with benzylic bromides along the backbone. To obtain a novel amphiphilic polymer bottlebrush, however, the lateral ATRP chain extension of PVBBPA with N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP) met the problem of quantitative dimerization. By replacing the bromides to xanthate moieties efficiently, we thus observed a pseudo linear first order reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization to obtain novel poly(4-vinylbenzyl-2-phenylacetate)-g-poly(NVP) (PVBPA-g-PNVP) amphiphilic polymer bottlebrushes. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) and particle size of the amphiphilic polymer bottlebrushes were characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (CMCs < 0.5 mg/mL; particle sizes = ca. 100 nm). Toward drug delivery application, we examined release profiles using a model drug of Nile red at different pH environments (3, 5, and 7). Eventually, low cytotoxicity and well cell uptake of the Madin-Darby Canine Kidney Epithelial (MDCK) for the polymer bottlebrush micelles were demonstrated.
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal and the Catholicism That Remains: A Study of the CCR Movement in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Fernandes Silvia
Published: June 2019

There are few empirical studies on the Catholic Church’s loss of followers in the state of Rio de Janeiro and, more generally, on the decline of Catholicism in Brazil. Drawing from the Weberian theses of disenchantment and religious rationalization, this article explores the situation of Catholicism in four municipalities in this state. Working on some strategically selected municipalities and parishes, we conducted fieldwork and in-depth interviews with Catholics who are linked to the Charismatic Renewal (CCR). Our study assesses the hypotheses that (i) the emergence of the CCR favored the process of Catholic resistance in some municipalities, and (ii) that religious adherence and deinstitutionalization are two effects of a rationalization process. The qualitative results of the study showed that charismatic prayer groups became more diluted by the expansion of the Communities of Life and Alliance (Comunidades de Vida e Aliança). Nevertheless, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal still guides the Catholic ethos in the state.
Resources Sustainability through Material Efficiency Strategies: An Insight Study of Electrical and Electronic Companies
Authors: Ho Fu Haw , Abdul-Rashid Salwa Hanim , Raja Ghazilla Raja Ariffin , Woo Yoke Ling
Published: June 2019

The circular economy (CE) is in a growing trend, especially to address the concern of resources sustainability, both from academics as well as industrial practitioners. For manufacturing businesses and services to be sustainable, using materials efficiently is an essential strategy, which is able to enhance the promotion of CE. However, for a developing country like Malaysia, little is known about the ongoing material efficiency strategies among the manufacturers. This paper presents a qualitative investigation of adopting material efficiency strategies in the manufacturing industry. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore the material efficiency strategies at selected Electrical and Electronics (E&E) companies in Malaysia. A list of 11 E&E companies material efficiency strategies were determined and explicated. This paper provides valuable insights to academics and practitioners for a better understanding of the current practices pertaining to the material efficiency strategies in E&E companies in a developing country.
The “Fan of the Terre Peligne”: Integrated Enhancement and Valorization of the Archeological and Geological Heritage of an Inner-Mountain Area (Abruzzo, Central Apennines, Italy)
Authors: Piacentini Tommaso , Somma Maria Carla , Antonelli Sonia , Buccolini Marcello , Esposito Gianluca , Mancinelli Vania , Miccadei Enrico
Published: June 2019

The outstanding cultural heritage of Italy is intimately related to the landscape and its long-lasting history. Besides major cities, famous localities, and park areas, several minor places and areas hide important features that allow the enhancing of inner-mountain and hilly areas as well as local natural reserves. This enhancement is supported by combining different types of cultural tourism, such as the archeological and geological ones. In this paper, an integrated geological–archeological itinerary is presented, which aims to valorize both these aspects in the inner-mountain areas of the central Apennines. The itinerary, called the “Fan of the Terre Peligne”, is focused on the Terre Peligne area located in the Sulmona basin, in the central-eastern part of the Apennines chain (Abruzzo region, central Italy). It is composed of five sectors (one for each of the municipalities included) and incorporates traditional physical tools and digital ones. Here, the evidence of the Apennines formation is preserved from the origin of marine carbonate rocks to their deformation and the landscape shaping. The Terre Peligne intermontane basin became—and still is—one of the main transit areas for crossing the Italian peninsula since before Roman times and here many stages of Italian history are preserved. This allows outlining of the presence of man since prehistoric times, and here the name “Italia” was defined for the first time, in Corfinio, and to testify the connection between human and landscape history. A SWOT (strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats) analysis highlighted the main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Combining geological and archeological elements, which are intimately connected in this area, this itinerary intends to be an instrument for the enhancement and awareness of the natural and cultural heritage of a poorly known area that features outstanding geological, landscape, and human elements of the history of the inner Apennines.
Discovery of the Fastest Ice Flow along the Central Flow Line of Austre Lovénbreen, a Poly-thermal Valley Glacier in Svalbard
Authors: Ai Songtao , Ding Xi , An Jiachun , Lin Guobiao , Wang Zemin , Yan Ming
Published: June 2019

Ice flow velocity is a sensitive indicator of glacier variations both controlling and representing the delivery of ice and affecting the future stability of ice masses in a warming climate. As one of the poly-thermal glaciers in the high Arctic, Austre Lovénbreen (AL) is on the northwestern coast of Spitsbergen, Svalbard. The ice flow velocity of AL was investigated using in situ global positioning system (GPS) observations over 14 years and numerical modelling with Elmer/Ice. First, the ice flow velocity field of AL along central flow line was presented and the ice flow velocity is approximately 4 m/a. Obvious seasonal changes of ice flow velocity can be found in the middle of the glacier, where the velocity in spring-summer is 47% larger than in autumn–winter in 2016, and the mean annual velocity increased 14% from 2009 until 2016. Second, the numerical simulation was performed considering the poly-thermal character of the glacier, and indicated that there are two peak ice flow regions on the glacier, and not just one peak ice flow region as previously believed. The new peak ice flow zone found by simulation was verified by field work, which also demonstrated that the velocity of the newly identified zone is 8% faster than the previously identified zone. Third, although our field observations showed that the ice flow velocity is slowly increasing recently, the maximum ice flow velocity will soon begin to decrease gradually in the long term according to glacier evolution modelling of AL.
Remotely Sensed Spatial Structure as an Indicator of Internal Changes of Vegetation Communities in Desert Landscapes
Authors: Hamada Yuki , Szoldatits Katherine , Grippo Mark , Hartmann Heidi M.
Published: June 2019

Desert environments are sensitive to disturbances, and their functions and processes can take many years to recover. Detecting early signs of disturbance is critical, but developing such a capability for expansive remote desert regions is challenging. Using a variogram and 15-cm resolution Visible Atmospherically Resistant Index (VARI) imagery, we examined the usefulness of the spatial structure of desert lands for monitoring early signs of habitat changes using the Riverside East solar energy zone located within Riverside County, California. We tested the method on four habitat types in the region, Parkinsonia florida–Olneya tesota, Chorizanthe rigida–Geraea canescens, Larrea tridentata–Ambrosia dumosa, and Larrea tridentata–Encelia farinosa alliances. The results showed that the sill, range, form, and partial sill of the variogram generated from VARI strongly correlate with overall vegetation cover, average canopy size, canopy size variation, and spatial structure within a dryland habitat, respectively. Establishing a baseline of variogram parameters for each habitat and comparing to subsequent monitoring parameters would be most effective for detecting internal changes because values of variogram parameters would not match absolute values of landscape properties. When monitoring habitats across varying landscape characteristics, a single appropriate image resolution would likely be the resolution that could adequately characterize the habitat dominated by the smallest vegetation. For the variogram generated from VARI, which correlates to vegetation greenness, the sills may indicate the health of vegetation communities. However, further studies are warranted to determine the effectiveness of variograms for monitoring habitat health. Remotely sensed landscape structure obtained from variograms could provide complementary information to traditional methods for monitoring internal changes in dryland vegetation communities.
A Wideband Dielectric Waveguide-Based 160-GHz Radar Target Generator
Authors: Geiger Martin , Wegner Christian , Mayer Winfried , Waldschmidt Christian
Published: June 2019

The increasing number of radar sensors in commercial and industrial products leads to a growing demand for system functionality tests. Conventional test procedures require expensive anechoic chambers to provide a defined test environment for radar sensors. In this paper, a compact and low cost dielectric waveguide radar target generator for level probing radars is presented. The radar target generator principle is based on a long dielectric waveguide as a one-target scenery. By manipulating the field distribution of the waveguide, a specific reflection of a radar target is generated. Two realistic scenarios for a tank level probing radar are investigated and suitable targets are designed with full wave simulations. Target distances from 13 cm to at least 9 m are realized with an extruded dielectric waveguide with dielectric losses of 2 dB/m at 160 GHz. Low loss (0.5 dB) and low reflection holders are used to fix the waveguide. Due to the dispersion of the dielectric waveguide, a detailed analysis of its impact on frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radars is given and compared to free-space propagation. The functionality of the radar target generator is verified with a 160-GHz FMCW radar prototype.
Modeling, Simulation, Experimentation, and Compensation of Temperature Effect in Impedance-Based SHM Systems Applied to Steel Pipes
Authors: Antunes Rothschild A. , Cortez Nicolás E. , Gianesini Bárbara M. , Vieira Filho Jozue
Published: June 2019

Pipelines have been widely used for the transportation of chemical products, mainly those related to the petroleum industry. Damage in such pipelines can produce leakage with unpredictable consequences to the environment. There are different structural health monitoring (SHM) systems such as Lamb wave, comparative vacuum, acoustic emission, etc. for monitoring such structures. However, those based on piezoelectric sensors and electromechanical impedance technique (EMI) measurements are simple and efficient, and have been applied in a wide range of structures, including pipes. A disadvantage of such technique is that temperature changes can lead to false diagnoses. To overcome this disadvantage, temperature variation compensation techniques are normally incorporated. Therefore, this work has developed a complete study applied to damage detection in pipelines, including an innovative technique for compensating the temperature effect in EMI-based SHM and the modeling of piezoceramics bonded to pipeline structures using finite elements. Experimental results were used to validate the model. Moreover, the compensation method was tested in two steel pipes—healthy and damaged—compensating the temperature effect ranging from −40 °C to +80 °C, with analysis on the frequency range from 5 kHz to 120 kHz. The simulated and experimental results showed that the studies effectively contribute to the SHM area, mainly to EMI-based techniques.
Validation of Electroencephalographic Recordings Obtained with a Consumer-Grade, Single Dry Electrode, Low-Cost Device: A Comparative Study
Authors: Rieiro Héctor , Diaz-Piedra Carolina , Morales José Miguel , Catena Andrés , Romero Samuel , Roca-Gonzalez Joaquin , Fuentes Luis J. , Di Stasi Leandro L.
Published: June 2019

The functional validity of the signal obtained with low-cost electroencephalography (EEG) devices is still under debate. Here, we have conducted an in-depth comparison of the EEG-recordings obtained with a medical-grade golden-cup electrodes ambulatory device, the SOMNOwatch + EEG-6, vs those obtained with a consumer-grade, single dry electrode low-cost device, the NeuroSky MindWave, one of the most affordable devices currently available. We recorded EEG signals at Fp1 using the two different devices simultaneously on 21 participants who underwent two experimental phases: a 12-minute resting state task (alternating two cycles of closed/open eyes periods), followed by 60-minute virtual-driving task. We evaluated the EEG recording quality by comparing the similarity between the temporal data series, their spectra, their signal-to-noise ratio, the reliability of EEG measurements (comparing the closed eyes periods), as well as their blink detection rate. We found substantial agreement between signals: whereas, qualitatively, the NeuroSky MindWave presented higher levels of noise and a biphasic shape of blinks, the similarity metric indicated that signals from both recording devices were significantly correlated. While the NeuroSky MindWave was less reliable, both devices had a similar blink detection rate. Overall, the NeuroSky MindWave is noise-limited, but provides stable recordings even through long periods of time. Furthermore, its data would be of adequate quality compared to that of conventional wet electrode EEG devices, except for a potential calibration error and spectral differences at low frequencies.
An Implantable Inductive Near-Field Communication System with 64 Channels for Acquisition of Gastrointestinal Bioelectrical Activity
Authors: Javan-Khoshkholgh Amir , Farajidavar Aydin
Published: June 2019

High-resolution (HR) mapping of the gastrointestinal (GI) bioelectrical activity is an emerging method to define the GI dysrhythmias such as gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia. Currently, there is no solution available to conduct HR mapping in long-term studies. We have developed an implantable 64-channel closed-loop near-field communication system for real-time monitoring of gastric electrical activity. The system is composed of an implantable unit (IU), a wearable unit (WU), and a stationary unit (SU) connected to a computer. Simultaneous data telemetry and power transfer between the IU and WU is carried out through a radio-frequency identification (RFID) link operating at 13.56 MHz. Data at the IU are encoded according to a self-clocking differential pulse position algorithm, and load shift keying modulated with only 6.25% duty cycle to be back scattered to the WU over the inductive path. The retrieved data at the WU are then either transmitted to the SU for real-time monitoring through an ISM-band RF transceiver or stored locally on a micro SD memory card. The measurement results demonstrated successful data communication at the rate of 125 kb/s when the distance between the IU and WU is less than 5 cm. The signals recorded in vitro at IU and received by SU were verified by a graphical user interface.
Photoacoustic/Ultrasound/Optical Coherence Tomography Evaluation of Melanoma Lesion and Healthy Skin in a Swine Model
Authors: Kratkiewicz Karl , Manwar Rayyan , Rajabi-Estarabadi Ali , Fakhoury Joseph , Meiliute Jurgita , Daveluy Steven , Mehregan Darius , Avanaki Kamran (Mohammad)
Published: June 2019

The marked increase in the incidence of melanoma coupled with the rapid drop in the survival rate after metastasis has promoted the investigation into improved diagnostic methods for melanoma. High-frequency ultrasound (US), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and photoacoustic imaging (PAI) are three potential modalities that can assist a dermatologist by providing extra information beyond dermoscopic features. In this study, we imaged a swine model with spontaneous melanoma using these modalities and compared the images with images of nearby healthy skin. Histology images were used for validation.
An Investigation on a Quantitative Tomographic SHM Technique for a Containment Liner Plate in a Nuclear Power Plant with Guided Wave Mode Selection
Authors: Lee Yonghee , Cho Younho
Published: June 2019

The containment liner plate (CLP) in a nuclear power plant is the most critical part of the structure of a power plant, as it prevents the radioactive contamination of the surrounding area. This paper presents feasibility of structural health monitoring (SHM) and an elastic wave tomography method based on ultrasonic guided waves (GW), for evaluating the integrity of CLP. It aims to check the integrity for a dynamic response to a damaged isotropic structure. The proposed SHM technique relies on sensors and, therefore, it can be placed on the structure permanently and can monitor either passively or actively. For applying this method, a suitable guided wave mode tuning is required to verify wave propagation. A finite element analysis (FEA) is performed to figure out the suitable GW mode for a CLP by considering geometric and material condition. Furthermore, elastic wave tomography technique is modified to evaluate the CLP condition and its visualization. A modified reconstruction algorithm for the probabilistic inspection of damage tomography algorithm is used to quantify corrosion defects in the CLP. The location and shape of the wall-thinning defects are successfully obtained by using elastic GW based SHM. Making full use of verified GW mode to Omni-directional transducer, it can be expected to improve utilization of the SHM based evaluation technique for CLP.
Facile Non-Enzymatic Electrochemical Sensing for Glucose Based on Cu2O–BSA Nanoparticles Modified GCE
Authors: Dai Zhikuang , Yang Ailing , Bao Xichang , Yang Renqiang
Published: June 2019

Transition-metal nanomaterials are very important to non-enzymatic glucose sensing because of their excellent electrocatalytic ability, good selectivity, the fact that they are not easily interfered with by chloride ion (Cl−), and low cost. However, the linear detection range needs to be expanded. In this paper, Cu2O–bovine serum albumin (BSA) core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized for the first time in air at room temperature by a facile and green route. The structure and morphology of Cu2O–BSA NPs were characterized. The as-prepared Cu2O–BSA NPs were used to modify the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in a Nafion matrix. By using cyclic voltammetry (CV), the influence from scanning speed, concentration of NaOH, and load of Cu2O–BSA NPs for the modified electrodes was probed. Cu2O–BSA NPs showed direct electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of glucose in 50 mM NaOH solution at 0.6 V. The chronoamperometry result showed this constructing sensor in the detection of glucose with a lowest detection limit of 0.4 μM, a linear detection range up to 10 mM, a high sensitivity of 1144.81 μAmM−1cm−2 and reliable anti-interference property to Cl−, uric acid (UA), ascorbic acid (AA), and acetaminophen (AP). Cu2O–BSA NPs are promising nanostructures for the fabrication of non-enzymatic glucose electrochemical sensing devices.
Innovation in Assistive Technology: Voice of the User
Authors: Buchanan Ricky , Layton Natasha
Published: June 2019

This article is an open letter to assistive technology stakeholders from an assistive technology user perspective. Contemporary systems thinking in assistive technology identifies the interlinking themes of people, products, personnel, policy and provision. We add to the current discourse on these five themes through the voice of an expert assistive technology user, who states that “As a disabled person and as a long-time expert assistive technology user, this is everything that I wish you knew and everything I wish you would do.” Our objective is to provide a user-centered commentary upon current trends and innovations in assistive technology, illuminating real impacts and outcomes from a social perspective and adding a rarely-heard voice to the literature.
Global Approaches to Reduce Light Pollution from Media Architecture and Non-Static, Self-Luminous LED Displays for Mixed-Use Urban Developments
Authors: Zielinska-Dabkowska Karolina M. , Xavia Kyra
Published: June 2019

Urban environments have become significantly brighter and more illuminated, and cities now consider media architecture and non-static, self-luminous LED displays an essential element of their strategy to attract residents, visitors, and tourists in the hours after dark. Unfortunately, most often, they are not designed with care, consideration, and awareness, nor do they support the visual wellbeing and circadian rhythms of humans. They also increase light pollution which has an adverse effect on the environment. The aim of this study was to estimate the scale of the negative impact of 28 non-static, self-luminous LED shop window displays within a real-life city context along the main shopping street Banhofstrasse in Zurich, Switzerland. An experimental field measurement survey investigation was performed to identify visual luminance with commonly available tools such as a luminance meter and a digital reflex camera for luminance photography. Moreover, the most important global approaches to reduce light pollution were evaluated in the form of existing guidelines, technical standards, and laws, all of which should be considered when specifying illuminated digital advertisements. A literature review and survey results both confirmed the extent of the problem and highlighted, too, the need to better measure, apply, and manage this new technology. The authors’ proposal for improvements involve practical recommendations for the design and implementation of future projects which can positively guide and direct this growing trend.
A Comparative Study of User Behaviors on Unimproved and Improved Street Spaces in Da Nang, Vietnam
Authors: Do Duy Thinh , Mori Suguru , Nomura Rie
Published: June 2019

The shortage of open spaces in developing countries in Asia such as Vietnam has been a thorny question for urbanists. Due to a poor history of public spaces, people tend to use street spaces as open spaces and other functions that bring chaos and danger onto the streets. Although developed countries in the West have overcome the dangers of life on street spaces to some extent, Vietnam, with its low quality of life, retains its inherent street bustle. Street improvements have been carried out to enhance the quality of urban life. This research aims at comparing improved and unimproved street spaces in various aspects, including user behavior and the environment-behavior relationship within street spaces and their surroundings. The findings contribute to the future improvement of street spaces in Vietnam and other developing countries based on theories of Environment-Behavior Studies. Through this research, the street renovation and development idea can be processed in a distinctive manner that appreciates the cultural and social context instead of being derived from the arbitrary or intuitive ideas of designers. By using various observation methods such as centered behavioral mapping (PcBM) and visual encounter surveys (VES), and statistical analysis such as principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA), the findings show that a total of eight physical attributes need consideration during street renovations or development processes. Improved and unimproved street spaces share two attributes and differ in six attributes. Additionally, three environment-behavior patterns support the implications detailed in this paper. Finally, a suggestion for street space development and management is made to support related authorities and urbanists in future projects; it is hope that this research will contribute to creating more livable and sustainable street environments.
N-Soliton Solutions for the NLS-Like Equation and Perturbation Theory Based on the Riemann–Hilbert Problem
Authors: Lin Yuxin , Dong Huanhe , Fang Yong
Published: June 2019

In this paper, a kind of nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation, called an NLS-like equation, is Riemann–Hilbert investigated. We construct a 2 × 2 Lax pair associated with the NLS equation and combine the spectral analysis to formulate the Riemann–Hilbert (R–H) problem. Then, we mainly use the symmetry relationship of potential matrix Q to analyze the zeros of det P + and det P − ; the N-soliton solutions of the NLS-like equation are expressed explicitly by a particular R–H problem with an unit jump matrix. In addition, the single-soliton solution and collisions of two solitons are analyzed, and the dynamic behaviors of the single-soliton solution and two-soliton solutions are shown graphically. Furthermore, on the basis of the R–H problem, the evolution equation of the R–H data with the perturbation is derived.
Nonlinear Caputo Fractional Derivative with Nonlocal Riemann-Liouville Fractional Integral Condition Via Fixed Point Theorems
Authors: Borisut Piyachat , Kumam Poom , Ahmed Idris , Sitthithakerngkiet Kanokwan
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we study and investigate an interesting Caputo fractional derivative and Riemann–Liouville integral boundary value problem (BVP): c D 0 + q u ( t ) = f ( t , u ( t ) ) , t ∈ [ 0 , T ] , u ( k ) ( 0 ) = ξ k , u ( T ) = ∑ i = 1 m β i R L I 0 + p i u ( η i ) , where n − 1 < q < n , n ≥ 2 , m , n ∈ N , ξ k , β i ∈ R , k = 0 , 1 , … , n − 2 , i = 1 , 2 , … , m , and c D 0 + q is the Caputo fractional derivatives, f : [ 0 , T ] × C ( [ 0 , T ] , E ) → E , where E is the Banach space. The space E is chosen as an arbitrary Banach space; it can also be R (with the absolute value) or C ( [ 0 , T ] , R ) with the supremum-norm. RL I 0 + p i is the Riemann–Liouville fractional integral of order p i > 0 , η i ∈ ( 0 , T ) , and ∑ i = 1 m β i η i p i + n − 1 Γ ( n ) Γ ( n + p i ) ≠ T n − 1 . Via the fixed point theorems of Krasnoselskii and Darbo, the authors study the existence of solutions to this problem. An example is included to illustrate the applicability of their results.
Some Symmetric Identities for Degenerate Carlitz-type (p, q)-Euler Numbers and Polynomials
Authors: Hwang Kyung-Won , Ryoo Cheon Seoung
Published: June 2019

In this paper we define the degenerate Carlitz-type ( p , q ) -Euler polynomials by generalizing the degenerate Euler numbers and polynomials, degenerate Carlitz-type q-Euler numbers and polynomials. We also give some theorems and exact formulas, which have a connection to degenerate Carlitz-type ( p , q ) -Euler numbers and polynomials.