bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Affirmative Ethics and Generative Life
Authors: Braidotti Rosi
Published: October 2019

Rosi Braidotti's contribution to the Deleuze Studies Conference 2016 held in Rome (University of Roma Tre, 11–13 July), later transcribed and then revised by the author, points firmly to the current need for an affirmative thinking approach, actively standing to the present, while assessing its becoming and imagining new configurations. Saying yes to the world, being worthy of it, does not entail passive acceptance but rather the activation of transformative and critical thinking. To this aim, Braidotti looks at Deleuze as well as at feminist theory. The ontology of immanence turns into a materialist, collective, vital, embodied and relational ethics.
Beyond the Society of Judgement: Deleuze and the Social Transitivity of Affects
Authors: Landolfi Claudia
Published: October 2019

Legal apparatus looks like a set of norms which rely on a rational project of life, yet it is possible, following Deleuze but also Hume and Kafka, to recognise the irrational aspect of this system. Is the law a dream? In what relation is the law with the subject? If the legal subject acts in a dream, what are the results? This paper develops around such questions with the aim of critically reflecting on the foundations of subjectivity and its connections with the legal normativity that requires obedience as the main form of respect and adherence. In this apparently free and creative present, which is unfolded on a digital codex of information, it seems relevant to be highly suspicious of the barriers that are going to be tightened more and more around thought and its potential creative evolutions. Can we think of – beyond the legal/illegal, obedient/disobedient dichotomy – a system of social relations that, instead of giving space to the permanent and repetitive features of subjects, discovers a wider margin of affective, innovative and creative connections in response to the behavioral exemplifications of diktats?
Do Not Forbid Nietzsche to Minors: On Deleuze's Symptomatological Thought
Authors: Vignola Paolo
Published: October 2019

The paper aims to describe the stakes of a Nietzschean influence on Deleuze's reflections on the transcendental and conversely to highlight the Deleuzian operation of politicising Nietzsche by ‘minorising’ him. In order to further understand such a complex relationship of becoming between Deleuze and Nietzsche, the first objective of the paper is to focus on active and reactive forces, which seem to be the core of this very relation. Thus, the paper suggests that micropolitics has its conditions of possibility in the Nietzschean corpus and, in particular, in the symptomatology of decadence, resentment and nihilism. In this sense, now the title of the paper reveals its meaning: the whole Deleuzian operation could be summarised as the passage from the criticism and questioning of an image of Nietzsche ‘forbidden to minors’ (especially for its presumed political dangerousness and alleged discrediting of minorities), typical of the interpretations of the first half of the twentieth century, to a becoming-minor of these very same Nietzschean concepts. It is precisely through such a becoming-minor that Nietzsche's diagnosis and concepts are translated in a political and emancipatory key, in order to give power to minorities.
Does Transparency Inhibit Political Compromise?
Authors: Harden Jeffrey , Kirkland Justin
Published: October 2019

Politicians and scholars contend that governmental transparency reforms constrain politicians' capacity to negotiate and compromise in the pursuit of policy goals. However, existing research primarily emphasizes only that governments are strategic in adopting these reforms; whether lawmakers actually incur the alleged costs of transparency remains an open question. We investigate this issue in the context of American state legislatures, many of which have become exempt from "sunshine laws" in recent decades. Legislators justify these exemptions by claiming that transparency impedes deal-making and coalition-building, producing gridlock. We leverage variation in the timing of sunshine law adoptions and exemptions to identify their effect on legislative productivity, polarization, partisanship, policy change, and budget delay. Our analyses refute legislators' argument for opacity; we report precisely-estimated negligible and contradictory effects of sunshine law exposure. We conclude that transparency does not inhibit political compromise. Legislative deliberation is equally or perhaps more effective under open governance requirements.
Influence of Lameness on the Lying Behaviour of Zero-Grazed Lactating Jersey Dairy Cattle Housed in Straw Yards
Authors: Blackie Nicola , Maclaurin Lawrence
Published: October 2019

Thirty-five lactating Jersey cows were recruited to the study. They were grouped according to locomotion score (LS), where low scores indicate normal gait. LS-1 (n = 12), LS-2 (n = 12) and LS-3 (n = 11) were used. Locomotion scores were balanced for parity and stage of lactation. Lying behaviour was recorded using IceTag™ data loggers attached to the cows for four consecutive days. The study animals remained in the straw based yards with grooved concrete flooring throughout the duration of the study. All data were normally distributed and assessed using a one-way ANOVA with a post hoc Tukey test. There were no statistically significant differences between locomotion score and the time spent lying, active and standing of zero-grazed lactating Jersey dairy cattle housed on straw yards. Lame cows (LS-3) had significantly shorter lying bouts than sound cows (LS-1) (34 min vs. 42 min, respectively). There has been limited research to date measuring the lying behaviour of cattle on straw and into the Jersey breed. The cows had longer than expected standing times and an increased frequency of lying bouts. This may have been attributed to the stocking density in which the cows were kept. We also reported a prevalence of lameness within the herd of 38%.
Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Alpha-Ketoglutarate in a Low-Protein Diet on Fatty Acid Composition and Lipid Metabolism Related Gene Expression in Muscles of Growing Pigs
Authors: Chen Jiashun , Zhang Haihan , Gao Hu , Kang Baoju , Chen Fengming , Li Yinghui , Fu Chenxing , Yao Kang
Published: October 2019

The aim of the current study was to investigate whether dietary supplementation with alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) in a reduced crude protein (CP) diet would affect fatty acid composition and lipid metabolism related gene expression in the muscles of growing pigs. A total of 27 Large White × Landrace growing pigs at 44 ± 1 d of age (11.96 ± 0.18 kg) were randomly allocated to three treatments (n = 9). Dietary treatments included: (1) normal protein diet with 20% crude protein (CP) (NP); (2) a low crude protein diet formulated to contain approximately 17% CP (LP); and (3) a low crude protein diet with 17% CP supplemented with 1% AKG at the expense of regular corn components (ALP). The experimental trial lasted 35 d. The results showed that compared with the NP and LP diets, supplementation with AKG in a low-protein diet increased the intramuscular fat (IMF), oleic acid (C18:1n-9), and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) contents (p < 0.05), and tended to increase the percentage of palmitoleic acid (C16:1) and stearic acid (C18:0) (p < 0.10) in the biceps femoris and longissimus dorsi muscles of growing pigs. These effects may be associated with increased relative mRNA expression levels of fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), adipocyte determination and differentiation factor 1 (ADD1), fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) in skeletal muscle, indicating that AKG might be involved in the differential regulation of some key lipogenic genes in skeletal muscles of pigs.
A New Geochemical Method for Determining the Sources of Atmospheric Particles: A Case Study from Gannan, Northeast China
Authors: Yang Chenmeng , Sun Guangyi , Zhang Chao , Chen Yupeng , Yang Wen , Shang Lihai
Published: October 2019

The geochemical characteristics of atmospheric deposition can help trace the origin and assess the impacts of pollutants. Northeast China has always been a region seriously affected by sandstorms. This study aims to explain the potential source of sandstorms in Gannan County, Heilongjiang Provence, by collecting dust and analyzing geochemistry in one year where there is no significant industrial or anthropogenic pollution. Input fluxes of deposition show that Zn and Mn were more prevalent (36.7 g·hm−2·a−1 and 77.93 g·hm−2·a−1, respectively) than other elements. The geochemical composition of atmospheric deposition samples from 17 collection points in Gannan County were determined with regard to 20 elements including nine heavy metals, two metalloids, three nonmetallic elements, a transition metal, and five other major elements. The discriminate function (DF) and chemical index of alteration (CIA) indices indicate that Gannan County (agricultural production area) and Harbin (densely inhabited district) have similar geochemical characteristics of dry deposition. The integration of Na/Al and Ca/Mg ratios with an air mass back-trajectories model shows effects from Russian dust sources (36.6%) and from the northwest desert of China (13.3%). The results will assist in developing strategies for reducing dry deposition pollution inputs to agricultural soils in the area and will effectively target policies to protect soils from long-term contaminant accumulation.
Identification of Celastrol as a Novel YAP-TEAD Inhibitor for Cancer Therapy by High Throughput Screening with Ultrasensitive YAP/TAZ–TEAD Biosensors
Authors: Nouri Kazem , Azad Taha , Ling Min , van Rensburg Helena J. Janse , Pipchuk Alexander , Shen He , Hao Yawei , Zhang Jianmin , Yang Xiaolong
Published: October 2019

The Hippo pathway has emerged as a key signaling pathway that regulates a broad range of biological functions, and dysregulation of the Hippo pathway is a feature of a variety of cancers. Given this, some have suggested that disrupting the interaction of the Hippo core component YAP and its paralog TAZ with transcriptional factor TEAD may be an effective strategy for cancer therapy. However, there are currently no clinically available drugs targeting the YAP/TAZ–TEAD interaction for cancer treatment. To facilitate screens for small molecule compounds that disrupt the YAP–TEAD interaction, we have developed the first ultra-bright NanoLuc biosensor to quantify YAP/TAZ–TEAD protein–protein interaction (PPI) both in living cells and also in vitro using biosensor fusion proteins purified from bacteria. Using this biosensor, we have performed an in vitro high throughput screen (HTS) of small molecule compounds and have identified and validated the drug Celastrol as a novel inhibitor of YAP/TAZ–TEAD interaction. We have also demonstrated that Celastrol can inhibit cancer cell proliferation, transformation, and cell migration. In this study, we describe a new inhibitor of the YAP/TAZ–TEAD interaction warranting further investigation and offer a novel biosensor tool for the discovery of other new Hippo-targeting drugs in future work.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of B4GALT1 Hypermethylation and Its Clinical Significance as a Novel Circulating Cell-Free DNA Biomarker in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Picardo Francesco , Romanelli Antonella , Muinelo-Romay Laura , Mazza Tommaso , Fusilli Caterina , Parrella Paola , Barbazán Jorge , Lopez-López Rafael , Barbano Raffaela , De Robertis Mariangela , Taffon Chiara , Bordoni Veronica , Agrati Chiara , Costantini Manuela , Ricci Francesca , Graziano Paolo , Maiello Evaristo , Muscarella Lucia Anna , Fazio Vito Michele , Poeta Maria Luana
Published: October 2019

Epigenetic modifications of glyco-genes have been documented in different types of cancer and are tightly linked to proliferation, invasiveness, metastasis, and drug resistance. This study aims to investigate the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapy-response predictive value of the glyco-gene B4GALT1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. A Kaplan–Meier analysis was conducted in 1418 CRC patients (GEO and TCGA datasets) to assess the prognostic and therapy-response predictive values of the aberrant expression and methylation status of B4GALT1. Quantitative methylation-specific PCR (QMSP) and droplet digital quantitative methylation-specific PCR (dd-QMSP) were respectively used to detect hypermethylated B4GALT1 in metastasis and plasma in four cohorts of metastatic CRC cases (mCRC). Both the downregulated expression and promoter hypermethylation of B4GALT1 have a negative prognostic impact on CRC. Interestingly a low expression level of B4GALT1 was significantly associated with poor cetuximab response (progression-free survival (PFS) p = 0.01) particularly in wild-type (WT)-KRAS patients (p = 0.03). B4GALT1 promoter was aberrantly methylated in liver and lung metastases. The detection of hypermethylated B4GALT1 in plasma of mCRC patients showed a highly discriminative receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve profile (area under curve (AUC) value 0.750; 95% CI: 0.592–0.908, p = 0.008), clearly distinguishing mCRC patients from healthy controls. Based on an optimal cut-off value defined by the ROC analysis, B4GALT1 yield a 100% specificity and a 50% sensitivity. These data support the potential value of B4GALT1 as an additional novel biomarker for the prediction of cetuximab response, and as a specific and sensitive diagnostic circulating biomarker that can be detected in CRC.
Prognostic Implication of pAMPK Immunohistochemical Staining by Subcellular Location and Its Association with SMAD Protein Expression in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Jung Minsun , Lee Jeong Hoon , Lee Cheol , Park Jeong Hwan , Park Yu Rang , Moon Kyung Chul
Published: October 2019

Although cytoplasmic AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been known as a tumor-suppressor protein, nuclear AMPK is suggested to support clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). In addition, pAMPK interacts with TGF-β/SMAD, which is one of the frequently altered pathways in ccRCC. In this study, we investigated the prognostic significance of pAMPK with respect to subcellular location and investigated its interaction with TGF-β/SMAD in ccRCC. Immunohistochemical staining for pAMPK, pSMAD2 and SMAD4 was conducted on tissue microarray of 987 ccRCC specimens. Moreover, the levels of pSMAD2 were measured in Caki-1 cells treated with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide. The relationship between AMPK/pAMPK and TGFB1 expression was determined using the TCGA database. As a result, pAMPK positivity, either in the cytoplasm or nuclei, was independently associated with improved ccRCC prognosis, after adjusting for TNM stage and WHO grade. Furthermore, pAMPK-positive ccRCC displayed increased pSMAD2 and SMAD4 expression, while activation of pAMPK increased pSMAD2 in Caki-1 cells. However, AMPK/pAMPK expression was inversely correlated with TGFB1 expression in the TCGA database. Therefore, pAMPK immunostaining, both in the cytoplasm and nuclei, is a useful prognostic biomarker for ccRCC. pAMPK targets TGF-β-independent phosphorylation of SMAD2 and activates pSMAD2/SMAD4, representing a novel anti-tumoral mechanism of pAMPK in ccRCC.
The Adaptive Immune System in Multiple Sclerosis: An Estrogen-Mediated Point of View
Authors: Maglione Alessandro , Rolla Simona , Mercanti Stefania Federica De , Cutrupi Santina , Clerico Marinella
Published: October 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic central nervous system inflammatory disease that leads to demyelination and neurodegeneration. The third trimester of pregnancy, which is characterized by high levels of estrogens, has been shown to be associated with reduced relapse rates compared with the rates before pregnancy. These effects could be related to the anti-inflammatory properties of estrogens, which orchestrate the reshuffling of the immune system toward immunotolerance to allow for fetal growth. The action of these hormones is mediated by the transcriptional regulation activity of estrogen receptors (ERs). Estrogen levels and ER expression define a specific balance of immune cell types. In this review, we explore the role of estradiol (E2) and ERs in the adaptive immune system, with a focus on estrogen-mediated cellular, molecular, and epigenetic mechanisms related to immune tolerance and neuroprotection in MS. The epigenome dynamics of immune systems are described as key molecular mechanisms that act on the regulation of immune cell identity. This is a completely unexplored field, suggesting a future path for more extensive research on estrogen-induced coregulatory complexes and molecular circuitry as targets for therapeutics in MS.
Nuclear Mechanics in the Fission Yeast
Authors: Gallardo Paola , Barrales Ramón R. , Daga Rafael R. , Salas-Pino Silvia
Published: October 2019

In eukaryotic cells, the organization of the genome within the nucleus requires the nuclear envelope (NE) and its associated proteins. The nucleus is subjected to mechanical forces produced by the cytoskeleton. The physical properties of the NE and the linkage of chromatin in compacted conformation at sites of cytoskeleton contacts seem to be key for withstanding nuclear mechanical stress. Mechanical perturbations of the nucleus normally occur during nuclear positioning and migration. In addition, cell contraction or expansion occurring for instance during cell migration or upon changes in osmotic conditions also result innuclear mechanical stress. Recent studies in Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast) have revealed unexpected functions of cytoplasmic microtubules in nuclear architecture and chromosome behavior, and have pointed to NE-chromatin tethers as protective elements during nuclear mechanics. Here, we review and discuss how fission yeast cells can be used to understand principles underlying the dynamic interplay between genome organization and function and the effect of forces applied to the nucleus by the microtubule cytoskeleton.
Environmental and Genetic Determinants of Serum 25(OH)-Vitamin D Levels during Pregnancy and Early Childhood
Authors: Schoos Ann-Marie Malby , Vinther Cecilie , Nørgaard Sarah , Brustad Nicklas , Stokholm Jakob , Bønnelykke Klaus , Bisgaard Hans , Chawes Bo Lund
Published: October 2019

Vitamin D insufficiency has become a common health problem worldwide, particularly among pregnant women and young children. Therefore, we sought to identify environmental, dietary, and genetic determinants of serum 25(OH)-vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels during pregnancy and early childhood. 25(OH)D was measured in women at 24-weeks of gestation (n = 738) and one-week postpartum (n = 284) in the population-based Danish COPSAC2010 mother–child cohort; and in cord blood (n = 257) and age 4 years (n = 298) in children from the at-risk COPSAC2000 mother–child cohort. Environmental, dietary, and genetic variables were tested for association with 25(OH)D using linear regression analyses. After adjusting for season of blood sampling, determinants of lower 25(OH)D levels during pregnancy in the women were higher pre-pregnancy BMI, lower age at birth, lower genetic vitamin D score, lower dietary vitamin D intake, and lower social circumstances. In children, the determinants were lower maternal age at birth, higher pre-pregnancy BMI, lower genetic vitamin D score, older siblings, exposure to tobacco smoking, and female sex. Genetics was an important determinant at all time points, alone explaining 2%–11% of the variance in 25(OH)D. Important determinants of circulating 25(OH)D levels during pregnancy and early childhood include environmental factors, diet, and to a large extent genetics.
Influence of the Aspect Ratio of Sodium Iron Titanate Whiskers on the Mechanical and Tribological Performances of Fluorocarbon Composite Coatings
Authors: Zhang Jiazhi , Li Chang , Yan Kelan , Shen Liming , Bao Ningzhong
Published: October 2019

Inorganic–organic composite coatings with fluoroethylene vinyl ether (FEVE) resin as polymer matrix and sodium iron titanate (NFTO) whiskers with different aspect ratios as reinforcement filler are prepared by the liquid-phase blending method. The influence of aspect ratio and content of NFTO whiskers on the morphology, and the mechanical and tribological performances, of NFTO-reinforced FEVE composite coatings are investigated. The addition of NFTO whiskers can obviously enhance the mechanical and wear resistance performances of the composite coatings and reduce the friction coefficient. The worn surface and wear debris of the composite coatings are studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to reveal the friction-reducing and wear resistance mechanisms. The composite coating filled with ~10 wt.% NFTO whiskers has the best wear resistance performance, since the monodispersed hard whisker can carry the load applied on the sliding surface and reduce the adhesive wear of the polymer matrix. Among the three types of NFTO whiskers, the whiskers with a medium aspect ratio show the best reinforcement effect since they provide the optimum mechanical support to the polymer matrix and cannot be pulled out from the matrix easily.
Electrical and Structural Properties of All-Sputtered Al/SiO2/p-GaN MOS Schottky Diode
Authors: Thi Tran Anh Tuan , Kuo Dong-Hau , Cao Phuong Thao , Quoc-Phong Pham , Nghi Vinh Khanh , Tran Nguyen Phuong Lan
Published: October 2019

The all-sputtered Al/SiO2/p-GaN metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) Schottky diode was fabricated by the cost-effective radio-frequency sputtering technique with a cermet target at 400 °C. Using scanning electron microscope (SEM), the thicknesses of the electrodes, insulator SiO2 layer, and p-GaN were found to be ~250 nm, 70 nm, and 1 µm, respectively. By Hall measurement of a p-Mg-GaN film on an SiO2/Si (100) substrate at room temperature, the hole’s concentration (Np) and carrier mobility (μ) were found to be Np = 4.32 × 1016 cm−3 and μ = 7.52 cm2·V−1·s−1, respectively. The atomic force microscope (AFM) results showed that the surface topography of the p-GaN film had smoother, smaller grains with a root-mean-square (rms) roughness of 3.27 nm. By I–V measurements at room temperature (RT), the electrical properties of the diode had a leakage current of ~4.49 × 10−8 A at −1 V, a breakdown voltage of −6 V, a turn-on voltage of ~2.1 V, and a Schottky barrier height (SBH) of 0.67 eV. By C–V measurement at RT, with a frequency range of 100–1000 KHz, the concentration of the diode’s hole increased from 3.92 × 1016 cm−3 at 100 kHz to 5.36 × 1016 cm−3 at 1 MHz, while the Fermi level decreased slightly from 0.109 to 0.099 eV. The SBH of the diode at RT in the C–V test was higher than in the I–V test because of the induced charges by dielectric layer. In addition, the ideality factor (n) and series resistance (Rs) determined by Cheung’s and Norde’s methods, other parameters for MOS diodes were also calculated by C–V measurement at different frequencies.
Microstructural and Corrosion Characteristics of Al-Fe Alloys Produced by High-Frequency Induction-Sintering Process
Authors: Seikh Asiful H. , Baig Muneer , Singh Jitendra Kumar , Mohammed Jabair A. , Luqman Monis , Abdo Hany S. , Khan Amir Rahman , Alharthi Nabeel H.
Published: October 2019

Al-x wt.% Fe bulk alloys were fabricated from a powder mixture of pure Al and x wt.% of Fe, where x = 2 wt.%, 5 wt.% and 10 wt.%. Initially, as-mixed mixtures were processed using a mechanical-alloying (MA) technique in an attritor for 4 h. The milling was performed in an argon atmosphere at room temperature followed by the sintering of the milled powders in a high-frequency induction furnace to produce bulk samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the morphology of the produced alloys, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the phases formed after the sintering process and their crystallite size. The corrosion behavior of the fabricated samples was studied by immerging them in a 3.5% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution at room temperature using cyclic-polarization (CP) and electrochemical-impedance-spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The SEM results showed that Fe was uniformly distributed in the Al matrix, and XRD revealed the formation of Al and intermetallic, i.e., Al6Fe and Al13Fe4, phases in the Al-Fe alloys after sintering. The hardness of the Al-Fe alloys was increased with the addition of Fe due to the formation of intermetallic compounds. Electrochemical results showed that there was a proportional relationship between the percentage of Fe additives and corrosion potential (Ecorr) where it shifted toward a nobler direction, while corrosion current density (icorr) and corrosion rate decreased with an increasing Fe%. This observation indicates that the addition of Fe into an Al matrix leads to an improvement in the corrosion resistance of the alloys.
Predicting Premature Video Skipping and Viewer Interest from EEG Recordings
Authors: Libert Arno , Van Hulle Marc M.
Published: October 2019

Brain–computer interfacing has enjoyed growing attention, not only due to the stunning demonstrations with severely disabled patients, but also the advent of economically viable solutions in areas such as neuromarketing, mental state monitoring, and future human–machine interaction. An interesting case, at least for neuromarketers, is to monitor the customer’s mental state in response to watching a commercial. In this paper, as a novelty, we propose a method to predict from electroencephalography (EEG) recordings whether individuals decide to skip watching a video trailer. Based on multiscale sample entropy and signal power, indices were computed that gauge the viewer’s engagement and emotional affect. We then trained a support vector machine (SVM), a k-nearest neighbor (kNN), and a random forest (RF) classifier to predict whether the viewer declares interest in watching the video and whether he/she decides to skip it prematurely. Our model achieved an average single-subject classification accuracy of 75.803% for skipping and 73.3% for viewer interest for the SVM, 82.223% for skipping and 78.333% for viewer interest for the kNN, and 80.003% for skipping and 75.555% for interest for the RF. We conclude that EEG can provide indications of viewer interest and skipping behavior and provide directions for future research.
Coalescence of Kerr Black Holes—Binary Systems from GW150914 to GW170814
Authors: Gwak Bogeun
Published: October 2019

We investigate the energy of the gravitational wave from a binary black hole merger by the coalescence of two Kerr black holes with an orbital angular momentum. The coalescence is constructed to be consistent with particle absorption in the limit in which the primary black hole is sufficiently large compared with the secondary black hole. In this limit, we analytically obtain an effective gravitational spin–orbit interaction dependent on the alignments of the angular momenta. Then, binary systems with various parameters including equal masses are numerically analyzed. According to the numerical analysis, the energy of the gravitational wave still depends on the effective interactions, as expected from the analytical form. In particular, we ensure that the final black hole obtains a large portion of its spin angular momentum from the orbital angular momentum of the initial binary black hole. To estimate the angular momentum released by the gravitational wave in the actual binary black hole, we apply our results to observations at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory: GW150914, GW151226, GW170104, GW170608 and GW170814.
Quasi-Entropies and Non-Markovianity
Authors: Benatti Fabio , Brancati Luigi
Published: October 2019

We address an informational puzzle that appears with a non-Markovian open qubit dynamics: namely the fact that, while, according to the existing witnesses of information flows, a single qubit affected by that dissipative dynamics does not show information returning to it from its environment, instead two qubits do show such information when evolving independently under the same dynamics. We solve the puzzle by adding the so-called quasi-entropies to the possible witnesses of information flows.
Multiscale Entropy of Cardiac and Postural Control Reflects a Flexible Adaptation to a Cognitive Task
Authors: Blons Estelle , Arsac Laurent , Gilfriche Pierre , Deschodt-Arsac Veronique
Published: October 2019

In humans, physiological systems involved in maintaining stable conditions for health and well-being are complex, encompassing multiple interactions within and between system components. This complexity is mirrored in the temporal structure of the variability of output signals. Entropy has been recognized as a good marker of systems complexity, notably when calculated from heart rate and postural dynamics. A degraded entropy is generally associated with frailty, aging, impairments or diseases. In contrast, high entropy has been associated with the elevated capacity to adjust to an ever-changing environment, but the link is unknown between entropy and the capacity to cope with cognitive tasks in a healthy young to middle-aged population. Here, we addressed classic markers (time and frequency domains) and refined composite multiscale entropy (MSE) markers (after pre-processing) of heart rate and postural sway time series in 34 participants during quiet versus cognitive task conditions. Recordings lasted 10 min for heart rate and 51.2 s for upright standing, providing time series lengths of 500–600 and 2048 samples, respectively. The main finding was that entropy increased during cognitive tasks. This highlights the possible links between our entropy measures and the systems complexity that probably facilitates a control remodeling and a flexible adaptability in our healthy participants. We conclude that entropy is a reliable marker of neurophysiological complexity and adaptability in autonomic and somatic systems.
Optimization of Photoperiod and Quality Assessment of Basil Plants Grown in a Small-Scale Indoor Cultivation System for Reduction of Energy Demand
Authors: Avgoustaki Dafni Despoina
Published: October 2019

Vertical farming is a novel type of food production in indoor environments with artificial lighting and controlled cultivation conditions. In this context, sustainability in small-scale indoor cultivation systems is crucial. Sustainability can be achieved by optimizing all the cultivation factors involved in the production process. The effects of different photoperiod conditions under different timing during plant development—from sowing to germination and maturity—have been studied in a small-scale indoor cultivation area. The main objective of this research was to investigate the possibilities of an optimized photoperiod for basil plants to reduce the energy demand cost of the cultivation unit. Three different photoperiod treatments (P8D16L, P10D14L, and P11D13L) were applied to basil plants with stable light intensity. Furthermore, the photoperiod was shortened to test the reaction of the biomass from the plants in a reduced energy demand system. The dry biomass produced was measured along with the energy consumed in each treatment. The basil quality was assessed by measuring different physiological indices, such as chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), total chlorophyll (Chl tot), the fraction of photosynthetically active irradiance absorbed by the leaf, and leaf temperature. The results of the study showed that a shorter photoperiod did not negatively affect the quantity and quality of the basil plants. Continuously, the evaluation of the energy demand variation under the different photoperiod treatments can provide a significant positive impact on the energetic, ecological, and economic aspects of small-scale food production.
A Novel Strategy Based on Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Control for Harmonic Detection and Compensation in Low Voltage AC Microgrid
Authors: Li Hui , Li Shuang , Lu Junwei , Qu Yue , Guo Chenmu
Published: October 2019

In an AC microgrid, harmonic distortion is mainly caused by power electronic equipment and nonlinear loads. In this paper, linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) is used to control the fundamental current at the point of common coupling (PCC). Meanwhile, an active power filter (APF) is added to eliminate the harmonic current generated by the nonlinear loads. The tracking differentiator (TD) in active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) serves as a low-pass filter (LPF) in the harmonic detection algorithm of APF. Compared to traditional harmonic detection algorithms, the improved strategy solves the contradiction between rapidity, accuracy, and overshoot of filtering. LADRC has good performance of disturbance rejection, internal decoupling, and accessible parameters tuning. It can observe the internal uncertainty and external disturbance of the system as the total disturbance through the extended state observer (ESO), and compensate it in time through state feedback to make the system achieve the desired performance. The abilities of resonance suppression for LCL-type filter and internal decoupling of LADRC demonstrates its advantages through frequency domain analysis and simulation. The proposed strategy was simulated in MATLAB/SIMULINK and realized in the experimental hardware platform, and the effectiveness of the proposed strategy is approved.
Energy Scheduling Using Decision Trees and Emulation: Agriculture Irrigation with Run-of-the-River Hydroelectricity and a PV Case Study
Authors: Abrishambaf Omid , Faria Pedro , Vale Zita , Corchado Juan M.
Published: October 2019

Agriculture is the very backbone of every country. Unfortunately, agricultural sustainability is threatened by the lack of energy-efficient solutions. The threat becomes more evident with the constantly growing world population. The research community must, therefore, focus on resolving the problem of high energy consumption. This paper proposes a model of energy scheduling in agricultural contexts. Greater energy efficiency is achieved by means of PV (photovoltaics) and hydropower, as demonstrated in the conducted case study. The developed model is intended for contexts where the farm is located near a river, so the farmer can use the flowing water to produce energy. Moreover, the model has been emulated using a variety of state-of-the-art laboratory devices. Optimal energy scheduling is performed via a decision tree approach, optimizing the use of energy resources and reducing electricity costs. Finally, a realistic scenario is presented to show the technical features and the practical behaviors of each emulator when adapting the results of the decision tree. The research outcomes demonstrate the importance of the technical validation of each model. In addition, the results of the emulation reveal practical issues that had not been discovered during the theoretical study or during the simulation.
Optimal Position of the Intermediate Coils in a Magnetic Coupled Resonant Wireless Power Transfer System
Authors: Yang Dongsheng , Tian Jiangwei , Won Sokhui , Zhou Bowen , Cheng Zixin , Hu Bo
Published: October 2019

Coaxial coil topology is used as the transfer medium in traditional MCR-WPT (Magnetic Coupled Resonant Wireless Power Transfer) systems to improve the transfer characteristics. The intermediate coils are added to extend the transmission distance, whose positions are critical. This paper focuses on the optimal intermediate coil positions for an MCR-WPT system with four coaxial planar circular spiral coils. By modeling the MCR-WPT system, the mathematical expression of the self-inductance and the mutual inductance are used to calculate the load power of the MCR-WPT system, which is composed of four planar circular spiral coaxial coils, and using MATLAB. The optimal distance ratio between the adjacent coils for maximizing the power of load is proposed. Furthermore, the experiments are implemented from the network analyzer and the experimental platform. In the platform, the load power is measured at the different intermediate coil positions, and the optimal position at which the load power is maximized is found. Both experimental results obtained by the network analyzer and the experimental platform have validated the theoretical and simulation results and provided the correctness of the suggested ratios.
Optimal Operation for Economic and Exergetic Objectives of a Multiple Energy Carrier System Considering Demand Response Program
Authors: Huang Yu , Li Shuqin , Ding Peng , Zhang Yan , Yang Kai , Zhang Weiting
Published: October 2019

An MECS (multiple energy carrier system) could meet diverse energy needs owing to the integration of different energy carriers, while the distinction of quality of different energy resources should be taken into account during the operation stage, in addition the economic principle. Hence, in this paper, the concept of exergy is adopted to evaluate each energy carrier, and an economic–exergetic optimal scheduling model is formulated into a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problem with the implementation of a real-time pricing (RTP)-based demand response (DR) program. Moreover, a multi-objective (MO) operation strategy is applied to this scheduling model, which is divided into two parts. First, the ε-constraint method is employed to cope with the MILP problem to obtain the Pareto front by using the state-of-the-art CPLEX solver under the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) environment. Then, a preferred solution selection strategy is introduced to make a trade-off between the economic and exergetic objectives. A test system is investigated on a typical summer day, and the optimal dispatch results are compared to validate the effectiveness of the proposed model and MO operation strategy with and without DR. It is concluded that the MECS operator could more rationally allocate different energy carriers and decrease energy cost and exergy input simultaneously with the consideration of the DR scheme.
Experimental Study of the Influence of Natural Gas Constituents on CO Emission from Chinese Gas Cooker
Authors: Duan Pengfei , Qin Chaokui , Chen Zhiguang
Published: October 2019

In China, it has become a more common practice to introduce natural gases from different sources into the same distribution system to improve supply security and reliability. Variable gas constituents may cause a negative impact on the performance of domestic gas appliances. This paper aims to study the CO emission of a Chinese gas cooker under different constituents of natural gas. A typical Chinese gas cooker with two burners, each of which has a nominal heat input of 3.8 kW, was selected. One of the burners was modified to a forced-mixed mode to replace primary air injection. Within operational ranges corresponding to the permissible Wobbe index—namely, primary air coefficients and heat inputs—the equivalence between original gas and the CH4/C3H8/N2 three-component mixture in terms of CO emission was experimentally validated. Then, different three-component mixtures were input into the other unmodified burner, which operates under injected primary air, to investigate how the CO emission changed with different gas constituents. It was found that the CO emission of a natural gas and a CH4/C3H8/N2 three-component mixture, in terms of CO emission, were equivalent. The combination of the two indexes, W and PN, can describe the CO emission from a gas cooker accurately. By means of a three-component mixture, the empirical formula, which can correlate CO and the gas property parameters, was proposed. A set of equal-CO lines was revealed for a given initial primary air adjustment. Finally, a feasible approach to manage gas quality management in China was put forward, and the conclusion can help control the CO emission of gas cookers and improve indoor air quality.
Thermodynamic Assessment and Multi-Objective Optimization of Performance of Irreversible Dual-Miller Cycle
Authors: Abedinnezhad Shahriyar , Ahmadi Mohammad Hossein , Pourkiaei Seyed Mohsen , Pourfayaz Fathollah , Mosavi Amir , Feidt Michel , Shamshirband Shahaboddin
Published: October 2019

In this study, a new series of assessments and evaluations of the Dual-Miller cycle is performed. Furthermore, the specified output power and the thermal performance associated with the engine are determined. Besides, multi-objective optimization of thermal efficiency, ecological coefficient of performance (ECOP) and ecological function ( E u n ) by means of NSGA-II technique and thermodynamic analysis are presented. The Pareto optimal frontier obtaining the best optimum solution is identified by fuzzy Bellman-Zadeh, Linear Programming Technique for Multidimensional Analysis of Preference (LINMAP), and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) decision-making techniques. Based on the results, performances of dual-Miller cycles and their optimization are improved. For the results of the condition that (n < k) the best point has been LINMAP answer. The thermal efficiency for this point has been 0.5388. In addition, ECOP and E u n have been 1.6899 and 279.221, respectively. For the results of the condition that (n > k) the best point has been LINMAP and TOPSIS answer. The thermal efficiency for this point has been 0.5385. Also, ECOP and E u n have been 1.6875 and 279.7315, respectively. Furthermore, the errors are examined through comparison of the average and maximum errors of the two scenarios.
Multivariate Analysis to Relate CTOD Values with Material Properties in Steel Welded Joints for the Offshore Wind Power Industry
Authors: Presno Vélez Álvaro , Bernardo Sánchez Antonio , Menéndez Fernández Marta , Fernández Muñiz Zulima
Published: October 2019

The increasingly mechanical requirements of offshore structures have established the relevance of fracture mechanics-based quality control in welded joints. For this purpose, crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) at a given distance from the crack tip has been considered one of the most suited parameters for modeling and control of crack growth, and it is broadly used at the industrial level. We have modeled, through multivariate analysis techniques, the relationships among CTOD values and other material properties (such as hardness, chemical composition, toughness, and microstructural morphology) in high-thickness offshore steel welded joints. In order to create this model, hundreds of tests were done on 72 real samples, which were welded with a wide range of real industrial parameters. The obtained results were processed and evaluated with different multivariate techniques, and we established the significance of all the chosen explanatory variables and the good predictive capability of the CTOD tests within the limits of the experimental variation. By establishing the use of this model, significant savings can be achieved in the manufacturing of wind generators, as CTOD tests are more expensive and complex than the proposed alternatives. Additionally, this model allows for some technical conclusions.
Research on Access Mode of the Flexible DC Power Distribution System into AC System
Authors: Liu Yao , Chen Jianfu , Qu Lu , Yu Zhanqing , Nie Zipan , Zeng Rong
Published: October 2019

The connection mode of the direct current (DC) power distribution system and the alternating current (AC) system is the foundation of system design, and it is also one of key technologies of the DC power distribution network. Based on the topology structure, grounding method, main equipment parameters, load parameters and system control protection strategy of the DC power distribution system, this paper establishes the system simulation model in the case of configuring the connection transformer and not configuring the connection transformer. Simulation results show that, when no connecting transformer is installed, the interaction between AC and DC systems will be great when faults occur, and the cost of converter valves and DC reactors will be increased. When connecting transformers are installed, the interaction between AC and DC systems can be effectively isolated, and the operation reliability of the system will be greatly improved while the cost is saved. Therefore, it is recommended to configure an independent connection transformer in the DC distribution system.
Comparative Study on Game-Theoretic Optimum Sizing and Economical Analysis of a Networked Microgrid
Authors: Ali Liaqat , Muyeen S. M. , Bizhani Hamed , Ghosh Arindam
Published: October 2019

In this paper, two techniques of game theory are considered for sizing and comparative analysis of a grid-connected networked microgrid, based on a multi-objective imperialistic competition algorithm (ICA) for system optimization. The selected networked microgrid, which consists of two different grid-connected microgrids with common electrical load and main grid, might have different combinations of generation resources including wind turbine, photovoltaic panels, and batteries. The game theory technique of Nash equilibrium is developed to perform the effective sizing of the networked microgrid in which capacities of the generation resources and batteries are considered as players and annual profit as payoff. In order to meet the equilibrium point and the optimum sizes of generation resources, all possible coalitions between the players are considered; ICA, which is frequently used in optimization applications, is implemented using MATLAB software. Both techniques of game theory, Shapley values and Nash equilibrium, are used to find the annual profit of each microgrid, and results are compared based on optimum sizing, and maximum values of annual profit are identified. Finally, in order to validate the results of the networked microgrid, the sensitivity analysis is studied to examine the impact of electricity price and discount rates on maximum values of profit for both game theory techniques.
Cost Uncertainties in Energy System Optimization Models: A Quadratic Programming Approach for Avoiding Penny Switching Effects
Authors: Lopion Peter , Markewitz Peter , Stolten Detlef , Robinius Martin
Published: October 2019

Designing the future energy supply in accordance with ambitious climate change mitigation goals is a challenging issue. Common tools for planning and calculating future investments in renewable and sustainable technologies are often linear energy system models based on cost optimization. However, input data and the underlying assumptions of future developments are subject to uncertainties that negatively affect the robustness of results. This paper introduces a quadratic programming approach to modifying linear, bottom-up energy system optimization models to take cost uncertainties into account. This is accomplished by implementing specific investment costs as a function of the installed capacity of each technology. In contrast to established approaches such as stochastic programming or Monte Carlo simulation, the computation time of the quadratic programming approach is only slightly higher than that of linear programming. The model’s outcomes were found to show a wider range as well as a more robust allocation of the considered technologies than the linear model equivalent.
Current Trends in the Realm of Baking: When Indulgent Consumers Demand Healthy Sustainable Foods
Authors: Martinez Mario M. , Gomez Manuel
Published: October 2019

The term “baked goods” encompasses multiple food products made from flour (typically wheat flour) [...]