bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Spatial Patterns of Bunaken Subdistrict Settlements on Mangrove Ecosystems in Manado Coastal City
Authors: Kumurur V A
Published: October 2019

Based on the results of the studies by Sasauw et al (2016), the ecological conditions in the area of mangroves in Manado city is unstable, evidenced by the low diversity of species R. apiculata, although density and frequency of species have high value. Bunaken is one sub­district in the coastal city of Manado, consisting of five sub-rurals, where the 3 villages (Molas, Meras and Tongkaina Neighborhood) are located in the coastal area and 2 sub-districts, such as Pandu and Bailang neighborhood are in mountainous regions. Residential area bordering the Bahowo mangrove area (84 ha) is green open space as Manado city protected area. To obtain and analyse data on settlement patterns, the ArcGis software with satellite map is utilized and observations of the infrastructure condition are conducted in the three areas of urban villages located on the shore (adjacent to the area of mangrove forests). The results indicated that the housing pattern of three villages is the combination form (linear and cluster), but linear form is more dominant. In general, the pattern of residential infrastructure networks, especially roads and drainage channels (grey water) is dominant in the direction of the road network and ends in the mangrove forest area.
Contesting Historic Urban Space: Dispute Over Heritage Conservation of Colonial Alun-Alun in Serang, Indonesia
Authors: Syahid M A A , Kurniawan K R
Published: October 2019

Urban preservation program in many cities has been challenged by particular interests and heterogeneous perspectives towards the idea of building a modern city. The dispute often rises over uncertain controversial spatial planning to erect any new large structure on historic urban space. In the case of colonial alun-alun of Serang, the issue occurred when the city ex-mayor designed to build a new Masjid Agung (Great Mosque) on the remaining empty spaces of alun-alun, amidst the pros and cons amongst urban activists, religious groups, and community. Contrary to all expectations, due to the political regime changes, the new government deals with the former idea by collaborating together with university team by justifying in academic attitude to assess the feasibility of the alun-alun to bear such project. The results instead indicated the un-feasibility of it, primarily due to its registered later status as cagar budaya (cultural heritage). It certainly triggered more disputes following the unsatisfactory comments, heated debates and rebuttals during the open presentation session with the government and public citizens of Serang city. This article hence is the proceeding of authors’ experiences after conducting the feasibility study for 2 (two) months, by discussing and encouraging extensive views about the dynamics of power relations involving academics, bureaucrats, and urban citizens in contesting the historic urban space as urban heritage beyond the ‘scientific’ study. Therefore, besides putting efforts on mere analysis the importance of alun-alun of Serang and its heritage values, this article also inclines to underline the intentions of local strategies in utilizing presevation issues as tools throughout political decisions for succeeding multiple aims. The research method then investigates the prescribed regulations, law, urban policies and its implementations in regards with the spatial planning and preservation actions in the level of city. The result of this research is also expected to exemplify the conservation process of colonial alun-alun as an architectural element, urban space, and cultural heritage in local cities of Indonesia.
Trace element and mineral composition of Ediacaran-early Cambrian strata in South China and their geochemical implications
Authors: Deng Q , Xu J B , Wei Z W , Cheng B , Faboya O L , Liao Z W
Published: October 2019

Ediacaran-early Cambrian is a critical interval in the evolution of atmosphere-ocean environment and biodiversity. The continuous Ediacaran-Cambrian strata in South China provide a good opportunity for investigating the associated environment with its ecological evolution. In this study, outcrop sedimentary rock samples collected from the Dongkanshang and Fengtan sections on the Yangtze Block were analyzed for their mineral and trace element compositions. The results showed some heterogeneity in the geochemistry of the Ediacaran-early Cambrian ocean in South China. Based on the U/Th, V/(V+Ni), V/Cr, and Ni/Co ratios, the middle-deep water was predominated by anoxic or euxinic condition with interferences from several transient oxidation events. The basinal Fengtan section indicates a more reduced depositional environment when compared with the slope Dongkanshang section. This shows that the seawater oxygenation was a gradual process that expanded from shallow to deep water.
Characteristics of desorption gas of lacustrine shale in the Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Li Jing , Zhou Shixin , Fu Deliang , Chen Kefei , Zhang Chen , Sun Zexiang , Li Pengpeng
Published: October 2019

Desorption gases of four lacustrine shale cores from the Triassic Yanchang formation of the Ordos Basin, China were collected, and their molecular and carbon isotope compositions were analyzed in this study. Results show that hydrocarbon gases of desorption gas are dominated by methane with relatively low dryness coefficient ranging from 0.45 to 0.82. The 513C values for hydrocarbon gases increase with increasing carbon number, and which for methane ranges from -57.15%« to -53.71%«. The hydrocarbon gases generally derived from a mixed origin with primary contribution from thermogenic processes. Desorption gases of sample YK-340.7 could experience biodegradation for its relatively high dryness coefficient and (iC4H10 + iC5H12) / (nC4H10 + nC5H12) value. A significant depletion of13C for methane was observed during desorption process, the reason for which could be differences in molecular mobility of the12CH4 and13CH4. Changes in the 513Cethane and 513Cpropane during desorption process are week.
The Rock-Eval Pyrolysis and Hydrocarbon Generation Kinetic of Four Coal Samples from Different Areas, China
Authors: Sun Yu , Fu Xiaodong , Liao Lingling , Wang Yunpeng
Published: October 2019

Rock-Eval pyrolysis and hydrocarbon generation kinetic are effective and extensive methods to evaluate source rock. In this study, we chose four coal samples from different areas in China including Fuxing, Guangyuan, Fushun and Taiyuanzu. The results show that Fushun has the highest hydrocarbon generation capacity (399-427mg/g), the lowest dominant activation energy (47Kcal/mol) and frequency factor (1.32*1012/s), which has the highest transformation ratio at different heating rates. It is easy to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of Fushun. But Fuxing, Guangyuan and Taiyuanzu have different frequency factors and activation energies. In the multiple frequency factors (MFF) model, it is difficult to evaluate hydrocarbon potential by activation energies when frequency factors are different. This study evaluates hydrocarbon potential by comparing transformation ratio at universal and geological heating rate. This is because transformation ratio is a comprehensive result of frequency factor and activation energy. In addition, different heating rates affect the hydrocarbon generation rate of coal samples, the hydrocarbon generation rate is positive with heating rates. For example, the hydrocarbon generation rate of Fushun at 5, 25°C/min are 0.0013 and 0.0051 mg/g.s1. And the temperature difference (AT) of main hydrocarbon generation period heated at 3°C/my and 5, 15, 25°C/min are different, which are 21-52 and 53-99°C.
Irradiation caused petroleum generation: Evidence from simulation experiments at room temperature
Authors: Wang H J , Zhao W Z , Cai Y W , Wang X M , He K , Zhang S C
Published: October 2019

Organic-rich shale often receives high doses of radiation from radionuclides, mostly U. Radiogenic heating and particles bombardment can lead to petroleum generation. Artificial irradiation of organic matter with neutrons at room temperature confirms these benefits. Produced bitumen was rich in asphaltene and aromatic compounds. An improved method is used to evaluate the effects of radioactivity on the petroleum generation potential. The maximum oil generation potential increases up to 31% in the artificial irradiation dose range of 280-680 Mrad. Natural irradiation caused by U should be taken into account when evaluating petroleum resources to mitigate the charge risks in both conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons exploration, particularly for Palaeozoic and Proterozoic sediment.
Cause Analysis of Flat Concave Defects on the Inner Surface at the end of T91 Alloy-Steel Tubes
Authors: Sun Zhenguo , Li Yuyan , Li Fei , Ye Jun
Published: October 2019

The concave defects on the inner surface at the end of T91 alloy-steel tubes were analysed by macroscopic morphology analysis, electron microscope scanning and energy spectrum analysis, metallographic analysis and anion analysis of corrosion products. The composition of water sample and oil sample of finned winding and oil immersion treatment was also analysed. It was found that this kind of defect was not caused by the preservation environment of steel tube, the treatment of finned winding and oil immersion. The defect should be related to the quality of steel tube blank or the processing technology of steel tube.
Study of the Effect of Focusing and Oscillation of Electron Beam on the Structure and Properties of Welded Seams
Authors: Sitnikov I.V. , Belenkiy V.Ya. , Olshanskaya T.V.
Published: October 2019

This paper presents the results of a study of the effect of focusing and oscillation of the electron beam on the structure, and the properties of welds made of heat-resistant pearlitic steel. Electron-beam welding using a static beam does not provide a uniform weld structure. According to the results of microhardness measurement, the weld metal has a high hardness with values on average 500 HV. The reason for this may be insufficient intensity of the mixing processes and insufficient residence time of the weld pool in the molten state. The use of electron beam sweeps during welding leads to a decrease in the microhardness of the weld metal to values of 450 HV. Also, the application of electron beam sweeps improves the weld geometry - a smoother transition from the upper part of the weld to the middle, more rounded shape of the root of the weld.
Study on the Design of Cutting Disc in Ultrasonic-assisted Machining of Honeycomb Composites
Authors: Xia Yaozhi , Zhang Jianfu , Wu Zhijun , Feng Pingfa , Yu Dingwen
Published: October 2019

To study the influences of geometrical parameters on the design of ultrasonic-assisted cutting disc tool for honeycomb composites, a finite element model integrating the cutting disk and ultrasonic horn was established. The performance of the output amplitude of the cutting disc was analyzed under different geometrical parameters including cutter radius, cutter thickness and anterior angle. Then the influences of the geometrical parameters on the energy density and bending rigidity of the cutting disc were discussed. The simulation results shown that with the increase of cutter radius, both the energy density and rigidity decreased, and the amplitude at the cutting edge increased firstly and then decreased under the interaction of the energy density and rigidity. There was an ideal interval of radius within which the amplitude reached the maximum. With the increase of cutter thickness and anterior angle, the energy density decreased while the rigidity increased, the amplitude at the cutting edge presented a declining trend.
Preparation of Nanocomposites of Polypyrrole-metal (or Metal Oxide) on the Surface of V2O5 Coated Cathode through a One-step Method
Authors: Li Ziyang , Li Jiawei , He Yuan , Zhou Kun , Ji Huaran , Shi Wei , Sun Yanan , Wu Ting , Ge Dongtao
Published: October 2019

Simultaneous formation of polypyrrole (PPy) and metal (or metal oxide) on a single electrode is particularly challenging because the electrodeposition of PPy and metal (or metal oxide) usually requires opposite potentials. Namely, the preparation of PPy needs an oxidation potential while the metal (or metal oxide) needs a reduction potential. In the present work, nanocomposites of PPy and metal (or metal oxide) were prepared successfully on the cathode by a one-step process, in which V2O5 coated titanium sheet was applied as cathode. In fact, two chemical reactions happened here at the same time. The first reaction was the chemical preparation of PPy on the cathode by the use of V2O5 as oxidant and the second reaction was the electrochemical formation of metal (or metal oxide) on the surface of the same cathode. As a result, nanocomposites of PPy and metal (or metal oxide) were one-step prepared on a single electrode. The morphology, composition and structure of nanocomposites were investigated via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, PPy-Ag nanocomposite was prepared and used as a sensor to evaluate the electrocatalytic performance of H2O2. It was found that the sensor displayed excellent H2O2-sensing properties and a feasibility for practical applications. These results imply that the present one-step process not only presents a simple, facial and efficient way for the formation of PPy-based nanocomposites but also exhibits great potential to improve the application performance and broaden the applied fields of the nanocomposites.
Analysis of Factors Affecting Performance of Cement-Bentonite Mud Impervious Wall
Authors: Ding Jihui , Gan Yu , Zhang Tianyu , Yan Meng , Zhao Qi
Published: October 2019

The triaxial unconsolidated undrained test, unconfined compressive strength test and variable head penetration test were used to study the water-cement ratio (Rwc
between 3.85 and 5.88) and water-bentonite ratio (Rwb
between 3.85 and 7.14) in different indoor mix ratios. Effect on mechanical properties and permeability of cement-bentonite mud impervious wall. The test results showed that: (1) The unconfined compressive strength of cement-bentonite anti-seepage wall has a double exponential function relationship with water-cement ratio and water-bentonite ratio. (2) When the water-bentonite ratio is constant, the deformation modulus increases with the decrease of water-cement ratio. When the water-cement ratio is constant, the influence of water-bentonite ratio on deformation modulus is not obvious, but too much bentonite will reduce deformation modulus. (3) As the strength of the cut-off wall increases, the modulus of deformation also increases, and there is a good linear relationship between the two. (4) The permeability coefficient of cement-bentonite anti-seepage wall has a double exponential function relationship with water-cement ratio and water-bentonite ratio.
Research on Shear Lag Effect of Three-span Continuous Curved Steel Box Girder Bridge
Authors: Chen Kongliang , Wang Liankun , Zhang Wenzhi
Published: October 2019

The normal stress of box-section beam under symmetrical load is the non-uniform characteristic called shear lag effect. Based on actual engineering project, the plate-beam finite element method is used to study the shear lag effect of the three-span continuous-curve steel box-girder bridge under the variety conditions of the curve radius, and the width span ratio, and the distribution of the shear lag effect in the longitudinal and horizontal direction under the symmetrical load are summarized in this paper, providing references for design of steel box-girder bridge. The results show that the shear lags of steel box girders are all positive shear lags under symmetrical loads. Under the conditions of three parameters, the curve radius and the width-span ratio have a great influence on the shear lag effect of steel box girders, and the high-span ratio change has no obvious effect on the shear lag effect, and the shear lag effect of bottom plate is far less severe than the top plate.
Effects of Superfine Grinding on the Structure, Bioactive Components and Antioxidant Activity of Pineapple Leaf Fiber
Authors: Cui Lihong , Li Jihua , Wang Ze , Wei Xiaoyi , Xia Wen , Zhou Wei
Published: October 2019

To investigate the influence of particle size of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) powders on their structure, bioactive components and antioxidant activities, different sized PALF powders were prepared using superfine grinding. Particle sizes and surface morphology of PALF powders were examined with laser diffraction instrument and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. Meanwhile, the contents of polyphenols and flavonoids in PALF powders were determined by UV method, and the antioxidant capacity was investigated. During the superfine grinding process, as the time prolonged, the particle size of PALF powders sharply decreased and the surface area increased. When the grinding time reached to 60 min, PALF superfine powder having a median diameter of 18.209 μm was obtained. Scanning electron micrograph displayed that the shape and particle size of superfine powders were uniform. After superfine pulverization, the bioactive components of PALF can be well preserved. The total polyphenols content of PALF superfine powder was 2.347 mg GAE/g DW and the total flavonoids content was 0.227 mg RE/g DW. Therefore, the antioxidant capacity of PALF superfine powder remains high level, including DPPH radical scavenging rate (0.167 mg GAE/g DW), ABTS radical scavenging rate (0.105 mg GAE/g DW) and total antioxidant activity (67.379 unit/g DW). The results demonstrated that PALF superfine powder has good potential to be used in functional food, cosmetics and biomedical materials.
Design of Special Lathe for Taper Turning Slender Shaft
Authors: Jiang Jiefeng , Huang Xiaodong
Published: October 2019

Based on the analysis of the machining process characteristics for special slender shaft work-piece, considering the increase in taper turning efficiency and accuracy, a new clamping scheme for machining both ends of slender shaft is put forward, which also includes using pulling tail-stock instead of traditional pushing, using follow-manipulator instead of follow-rest. Following the clamping scheme, the dual drive device, the tail-stock with pulling device and the manipulators are designed, then the parts are integrated into the special lathe for taper turning slender shaft.
Universal Industrial-applicable Calibration Method of Optical-electronic Triangulation Systems for 3D Geometry Measurements
Authors: Dvoynishnikov Sergey , Rakhmanov Vitaly , Meledin Vladimir
Published: October 2019

Universal industrial-applicable calibration method for optical-electronic triangulation systems using structured illumination for 3D geometry measurements is proposed. An analytical and experimental estimations of the measurement error due to the method of phase steps and system calibration were obtained. The method has a simple implementation when measuring the 3D geometry of large objects. It is shown, that proposed method can be effectively used in measurement systems constructed on a standard low-cost element base.
Cognitive model of digital production development
Authors: Brom Alla , Maslennikova Yuliya
Published: October 2019

The aim of the work is to develop a cognitive model that reflects clear, structured, formalized, obvious relationships between the social – economic factors of digital production. The main problems of industrial enterprises are reflected, digital industrial technologies are studied, the main factors of influence on their development are considered, methods of assessing the impact of factors on the development of technologies are studied, and the cognitive model is developed. The practical significance of the paper lies in the possibility of using the presented cognitive model by industrial enterprises. This will improve the efficiency of digital technology implementation and the use of available resources.
Pattern recognition in the differentiated image for the powder and granulated materials particle size classification
Authors: Yunovidov D V , Nadezhin M N , Shabalov V A
Published: October 2019

The paper shows and investigates the technique of classifying the particle size of powder and granulated materials. The objects of the study are industrially produced mineral fertilizers. Samples with different composition (about five types of mineral fertilizers) and various degrees of particle size (less than 100 µm, less than 500 µm and granules of 2-5 mm) were examined. The samples particles have an irregular shape, close to spherical (in the case of granules) or cubic (in the case of powders). To improve the accuracy and eliminate the particle shape influence on analysis, the preliminary pressing of samples on a boric acid substrate was used. The keynote of the proposed technique is to obtain an optoelectronic image of an object with a resolution of at least 640x480 pixels (a three-dimensional matrix of pixel intensity in the Red-Green-Blue (RGB) system). Next, the area of analysis is separated from the obtained image and transformed into grayscale (a two-dimensional matrix of pixel intensities with a resolution of at least 200x200 pixels). The influence of external illumination (gradient, temperature and brightness) is eliminated by the grayscale image differentiation. The result is the “surface map” of the sample, which reflects defects in the pressed structure (patterns, which are responsible for the size of the particles). According to the found patterns, the samples are classified according to their particle size. Four classification algorithms were investigated (linear, linear with L1 and L2 regularization, and a nonlinear “random forest”). All proposed approaches are automated and implemented in the Python 3.6 programming language. There is provided the selection of the operating parameters of all the described algorithms.
Construction of Modern University Library Website (CMULW) Based on User Needs
Authors: Liao Kai , Li Feng
Published: October 2019

The construction of modern university library website (CMULW) adapts to the changes of the times, and it will extend the scope and content of library services, which is of great significance to the development of universities. This article will be presented to describes the CMULW must follow the user needs from three aspects, including basic function needs, safety and security needs and humanistic respect needs. The website safety and security needs will be used in the website security system to introduce. The CMULW conforms to the requirements of the current era of social information technology development and provides users with better network information services. The modern university library website (MULW) needs not only to enhance its own practicability, and it needs to satisfy the user omni-directional demand to improve the user experience. Only constantly to find and meet the needs of users and improve service capability and the quality of service, is the basic attitude and development path of the modern university library website construction (MULWC).
A CFD Analysis of Wingtip Devices to Improve Lift and Drag Characteristics of Aircraft Wing
Authors: Khan Fatima Najeeb , Batul Beenish , Aizaz Ahmad
Published: October 2019

The present study investigates the use of various wingtip devices to analyse the parameters of lift and drag for an aircraft wing. The coefficients of lift and drag are investigated in this research to optimize the wing design for enhancing the aircraft performance. A reduction in the drag produced due to wingtip vortices leads to reduced fuel consumption which contributes to the reduction in fuel emissions. The two-dimensional analysis is carried out for the selection of an apposite aerofoil by comparing the lift/drag characteristics of NACA 0012, 2415 and 23015 respectively at the velocity of 79.16 m/s at the angles of attack of 0°,4°,8°,12°,16° and 20°. The aerofoil section NACA 2415 is used to design the three-dimensional aircraft wing. For the analysis of the various wing tip devices the three-dimensional wing is incorporated with the spiroid winglet, blended winglet, wingtip fence and a mini-winglet. The CFD analysis for the wing designs is carried out for the take-off and landing phases of an aircraft’s flight because the effect of vortices is the highest during these flight phases. The angles of attack range from 0° to 20°. The CFD results reveal that for the wing designs, the plain wing produced the highest drag and the blended winglet proved to be the wingtip device with the most beneficial design. The results obtained for the 30° cant angled blended winglet and 60° cant angled wingtip fence produces additional lift when compared to the results obtained for the counterpart designs. The results obtained from the analysis are in close correlation to the established use of the wingtip devices.
The Carbon Footprints and Equipments Energy Consumption Assessment for Bicycle Rubber-Tire
Authors: Lin Tse-Hung , Chien Yu-Shu , Chiu Wei-Ming
Published: October 2019

High-priced rubber tires are important key components in the bicycle industry chain. The annual bicycle tire output is about 150,000 product lines in Taiwan. Relevant carbon emission inventory data analysis is the focus of the industry’s sustainable development and circular economy. Most researches study paper did not completely disclose supply chain inventory data. Relative comparison this bicycle rubber-tire case industry chain is more complete and the inventory data is more detailed.

This tire product case study is original and compiles exclusive Taiwan local activity data and carbon emission database. The important investigation results are as follows: (1)A single product is a functional unit of 561g bicycle rubber-tire carbon emissions of 1.64kgCO2e. Internationally verified BSI certification.(2)The analysis result meets the Monte Carlo analysis requirements. (3)This important practical case study completed two major central factories and five satellite suppliers to check the local activity data, equipment energy consumption and carbon footprint emissions, confirmed by a third party international verification unit BSI. (4)The application and review of the B to B product carbon-label were completed, it can be used for international marketing. The database and practical results published in this paper can be used as a reference for academics and business circles.
Security System Design in a Crop
Authors: Chan Tung-Jung , Chiu Min-Chie , Cheng Ho-Chih , Yeh Long-Jyi , Haung Wei-Chong
Published: October 2019

A traditional scarecrow does not scare birds; subsequently, crops will be demolished by birds during the growing season. Moreover, because farms are often invaded and crops stolen during harvest, the farmer and his dogs are forced to stay and protect the crops. However, this is not efficient for a large farm. Therefore, a remote crop monitoring security system is necessary. In order to maintain sufficient electrical power used by the system, green electrical energy generated by both a solar board and a wind generator are adopted. This system placed in each section of the farm includes five ultrasonic sensors, a microcontroller, a twinkling lighting, and a speaker unit. To ensure efficiency when using the crop security system, crops in huge areas will be divided into several small zones for monitoring. Each zone will have an individual crop security system. When a sensor detects an intrusion of birds, the alarm and light will be initiated. With this, any birds or other intruders will be scared and leave the field.
A Digital Analysis Approach for Estimating Decarburization Layer Depth of Carbon Steel via a Portable Device
Authors: Huang Wesley , Wang Chia-Sui , Chang Yih-Feng , Yeh Chia-Mao
Published: October 2019

Decarburization layer depth has great influence on the quality of metal forming process. For determining the depth value, the inspector progresses the measurement by manual nearly, which is subjective and inconsistency. This paper presents a digital analysis approach for measuring the decarburization depth automatically. Meanwhile, this analysis can be carried out by a portable device. For the digital analysis approach, the morphology image process is developed by comparing the variation of gray gradient of image from edge to core region. While the histogram of grayscale gradient falling down sharply, the distance from edge to the point was defined as the ferrite decarburization depth. Meanwhile, if the histogram keeps decreasing and stopping the decrease at one point, then the distance from edge to that point was defined as the totally decarburization depth. For the portable device, the analysis software is settled on a cloud-based calculating system. The analyst can capture the metallographic image shown in the monitor by smart glasses. Then, the analysis result is shown in smart glasses directly. All analysis and calculation process are progressed on a cloud-computing system. Finally, a digital metallographic analysis approach for estimating decarburization depth of carbon steel specimen by a portable device can be carried out.
An Energy Consumption Evaluation of Non-TIM Strategy in IEEE 802.11ah
Authors: Kao Tain-Lieng , Wang Huan-Chun , Lu Chang-Han , Cheng Ting-Hsu
Published: October 2019

IEEE 80211ah is a low speed and long distance communication protocol which has two modes of operation: one is that stations in RAW need to listen Beacon for data transfer, and the other is that stations in Non-TIM TWT mode need not to synchronous with AP by listening Beacon. 802.11ah with Non-TIM TWT strategy is very suitable for many IoT applications with low speed and low energy consumption. However, there is no further discussion of energy consumption for stations under Non-TIM TWT mode in 802.11ah networks. Therefore, this paper proposes an 802.11ah Non-TIM Implicit TWT simulation which is built with the 802.11 Legacy simulator added to the transmit traffic distribution, Target Wake Time mechanism and Channel Model. This simulation analysis will evaluate energy consumption performance under different IoT applications (agricultural monitoring, smart metering, and industrial automation).
Low Noise Amplifier Design for IoT Wireless Communication Systems
Authors: Lai Yeong-Lin , Lai Yeong-Kang , Lee Guo-Jang , Zheng Chun-Yi , Huang Ping-Wen , Lee Ming-Ho , Chiang Yun Wei
Published: October 2019

In the era of Internet of Things (IoT), the Internet has evolved from a simple Internet function of web information access to intelligent functions of identification, position, monitoring, and management of things. Devices in the IoT must transmit data between the devices and equipment connecting to cloud. As a fog computing architecture is established proximally at the local ends of the IoT, the data transmission volume and transmission delay can be effectively reduced. IoT wireless communication is one of the essential items for complete data transmission between the devices and on-line equipment. This paper proposes the low noise amplifier (LNA) design that can be applied to the RF front-end receiver of a 2.45-GHz wireless communication system for IoT applications. The LNA is required to have characteristics of low noise factor and high signal gain in order to amplify weak signals received by the antenna. In this study, the design of 2.45-GHz LNA adopts an architecture of power-constrained simultaneous noise and input matching on the basis of the 0.18-μm CMOS process technology in order to achieve simultaneous noise and input matching at low power conditions. Both the architectures of push-pull and forward substrate bias are also utilized. The LNA demonstrates the characteristics of low noise factor, high gain, and good 1-dB gain compression. The LNA shows good potential for IoT wireless communication system applications.
Design and Simulation of a Porous Rectangular Board-Foldable Trolley
Authors: Shiau Yau-Ren , Fang Jiunn , Chen Yu-Lan
Published: October 2019

To reduce the structural weight and volume and satisfy an optimal balance of performance constraints, a study using a porous rectangular foldable board and structurally improved trolley model was conducted, and motion simulations were performed to derive the static and transient structural properties. The simulations revealed that the fatigue lifetimes of both the main structure and the porous boards were in a high-standard-value range, whereas the transient analysis indicated that both the directional deformation and equivalent stress exhibited minimal local values. For porous boards simply supported only on two sides, the trolley had a much smaller collapsed volume than other types of trolley. The static analysis indicated that this trolley prototype had a good safety coefficient and long fatigue lifetime. The transient analysis showed that the porous area had a higher strength and bending load than the non-porous area. The overall transient response was close to that of a steady-state, showing a negligible effect on the structure.tc.
Computational and experimental study of a hydro-dynamical landslide model based on laboratory flume tests
Authors: Kanule J , Ng’etich W , Rotich S
Published: October 2019

Hydrological factors such as volumetric water content (VWC) and pore-water content (PWC) have been cited widely as significant factors that trigger slope failures especially shallow landslides and debris flows. Over the years, researchers have studied these processes using a range of physically-based models which in many occasions are either too complex incorporating very many parameters or fail to mimic real field conditions. The principal objective of this study was to derive and incorporate a set of physically-based equations that describe the dependence of slope failures at laboratory scale on VWC into a factor of safety expression herein referred to as the hydro-dynamical landslide model. The model was validated by a series of physical tests on soil samples in the laboratory using the Chep-flume. Results showed a close agreement between computational and experimental data, confirming the hypothesis that cohesion, internal friction angle and pore-water pressure are modulated by VWC especially for slopes with sandy-loam soils. More so, rapid change of soil water content was observed to accelerate build-up of negative pore-water pressures (PWP) which triggers slope failure. Apart from giving a simplified expression for the factor of safety, the proposed model circumvents the difficulties associated with tedious procedures employed in the measurement of cohesive stress by limiting the tests to only three sets of parameters i.e. VWC, PWP and displacement.
4. ‘Made in Italy’
Authors: Bull Anna Cento
Published: October 2019

Despite lacking raw materials and still being heavily dependent on agriculture in the early 20th century, Italy managed to become the fifth most industrialized economy in the world by the 1980s. The economic miracle of the 1960s, in particular, was accompanied by social phenomena typically associated with the process of modernization, including urbanization, the predominance of the nuclear family, mass consumerism, and mass transport based on private car ownership. Italian design became known the world over, combining creativity with craftsmanship. ‘Made in Italy’ describes early industrialization, the ‘golden age’ of the Italian economy, the slowdown and decline of the 1990s and early twenty-first century, and the recent economic fight back.
5. Persistence and change
Authors: Duindam Jeroen
Published: October 2019

The never-ending lists of kings imparted the view of an unbroken chain extending into the past, but they also suggested the repeated rise and fall of ruling houses. Did dynasties necessarily follow the organic trajectory of birth, growth, maturity, old age, and death? ‘Persistence and change’ compares cyclical views of dynastic power throughout history and across the globe. It also asks how scale, change over time, and regional variety impacted dynasties. Finally, it considers the rise of Europe: royalty worldwide would undergo the impact of modernization first and foremost in the shape of European military and commercial dominance.
Aesthetics and the other
Authors: Nanay Bence
Published: October 2019

‘Aesthetic and the other’ looks at the interpersonal dimension of aesthetics. Aesthetics is rarely a solitary endeavour. We are social beings and there are very few aesthetic situations that are devoid of all social aspects. The discussion of the social dimension of aesthetics in the history of ‘Western’ aesthetics has been dominated by aesthetic agreements and disagreements. But the real question about aesthetic agreements and disagreements is not about who is right and who is wrong. It is about the ways in which our experiences depend on the allocation of our attention, our background beliefs and knowledge, as well as our past exposure.
Aesthetics and life
Authors: Nanay Bence
Published: October 2019

‘Aesthetics and life’ considers several questions to show how aesthetics and life are intertwined on all kinds of levels. Should we treat our life as a work of art? Should we become the spectators of our own life? It discusses how not to be jaded by aesthetic experiences, how expectations can influence our experiences, how some aesthetic experiences have a lot to do with seeing something afresh, and how some aesthetic experiences can have a lingering effect. It concludes that aesthetic experience does not have to be detached, it does not need to be contemplative, and it does not need to involve open-ended attention.
Willy Loman and Postwar Jewish Insecurity
Authors: Hodin Mark
Published: October 2019

Willy Loman’s cryptic Jewish identity, recognizable but absent, has long been considered an act of ethnic betrayal, evidence of Arthur Miller’s inauthenticity as a Jewish writer. However, as scholars recently have explored the undercurrent of anxiety running beneath the surface of postwar Jewish life, Willy’s feelings of rootlessness, and his worries over American success, seem now particularly “Jewish.” Arguing that Willy Loman represents a postwar Jewish-American identity crisis, not a suppressed Jewish essence, the article analyzes the reception of Death of a Salesman (1949) in the Jewish press, from the pulpit, and within the synagogue community. Throughout, Willy’s preoccupation with acceptance and his eventual self-destruction resonate uncomfortably with the nightmare of European catastrophe that American Jews were then processing. In this context, the article claims that Biff’s attempt to counter his father’s world of selling by laboring in Texas, an action usually interpreted through myths of the American West, may have been read by Jewish Salesman audiences through a discourse of postwar Zionism they knew well: namely, the resettlement of Holocaust refugees in the land of Israel.
Partial Activation of TrkB Receptors Corrects Interneuronal Calcium Channel Dysfunction and Reduces Epileptogenic Activity in Neocortex following Injury
Authors: Gu Feng , Parada Isabel , Yang Tao , Longo Frank M , Prince David A
Published: October 2019

Decreased GABAergic inhibition due to dysfunction of inhibitory interneurons plays an important role in post-traumatic epileptogenesis. Reduced N-current Ca2+ channel function in GABAergic terminals contributes to interneuronal abnormalities and neural circuit hyperexcitability in the partial neocortical isolation (undercut, UC) model of post-traumatic epileptogenesis. Because brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) supports the development and maintenance of interneurons, we hypothesized that the activation of BDNF tropomyosin kinase B (TrkB) receptors by a small molecule, TrkB partial agonist, PTX BD4-3 (BD), would correct N channel abnormalities and enhance inhibitory synaptic transmission in UC cortex. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) and western blots were used to quantify N- and P/Q-type channels. We recorded evoked (e)IPSCs and responses to N and P/Q channel blockers to determine the effects of BD on channel function. Field potential recordings were used to determine the effects of BD on circuit hyperexcitability. Chronic BD treatment 1) upregulated N and P/Q channel immunoreactivity in GABAergic terminals; 2) increased the effects of N or P/Q channel blockade on evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs); 3) increased GABA release probability and the frequency of sIPSCs; and 4) reduced the incidence of epileptiform discharges in UC cortex. The results suggest that chronic TrkB activation is a promising approach for rescuing injury-induced calcium channel abnormalities in inhibitory terminals, thereby improving interneuronal function and suppressing circuit hyperexcitability.
Differential Expression of Activation Markers by Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific CD4+ T Cell Distinguishes Extrapulmonary From Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Latent Infection
Authors: Silveira-Mattos Paulo S , Barreto-Duarte Beatriz , Vasconcelos Beatriz , Fukutani Kiyoshi F , Vinhaes Caian L , Oliveira-De-Souza Deivide , Ibegbu Chris C , Figueiredo Marina C , Sterling Timothy R , Rengarajan Jyothi , Andrade Bruno B
Published: October 2019

Background

Diagnosis of active tuberculosis (ATB) currently relies on detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Identifying patients with extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) remains challenging because microbiological confirmation is often not possible. Highly accurate blood-based tests could improve diagnosis of both EPTB and pulmonary TB (PTB) and timely initiation of anti-TB therapy.

Methods

A case-control study was performed using discriminant analyses to validate an approach using Mtb-specific CD4+T-cell activation markers in blood to discriminate PTB and EPTB from latent TB infection (LTBI) as well as EPTB from PTB in 270 Brazilian individuals. We further tested the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection on diagnostic performance. Frequencies of interferon-γ +CD4+T cells expressing CD38, HLADR, and/or Ki67 were assessed by flow cytometry.

Results

EPTB and PTB were associated with higher frequencies of CD4+T cells expressing CD38, HLADR, or Ki67 compared with LTBI (all P values < .001). Moreover, frequencies of HLADR+ (P = .03) or Ki67+ (P < .001) cells accurately distinguished EPTB from PTB. HIV infection did not affect the capacity of these markers to distinguish ATB from LTBI or EPTB from PTB.

Conclusions

Cell activation markers in Mtb-specific CD4+T cells distinguished ATB from LTBI and EPTB from PTB, regardless of HIV infection status. These parameters provide an attractive approach for developing blood-based diagnostic tests for both active and latent TB.
Porcelain: another window on the neoclassical visual world
Authors: Marchand Suzanne
Published: October 2019

This article surveys the European, and especially German, porcelain industry’s output of classicizing figurines between about 1740 and 1900 in order to comprehend what vision of the classics Europeans wished to bring into their homes. First made by Italians, classicizing figurines and cameos became a German (and English) specialty, and helped to knit together European luxury markets as well as to spread familiarity with classical iconography to northern and eastern climes. Made for aristocratic courtiers, the first pieces reflect a ‘libertine’ classicism; by about 1790, this style had largely been displaced by a more serious and exacting (but also cheaper!) ‘chaste’ classicism exemplified by Jasperware and white biscuit porcelains. After 1815, industry conditions and the disinterest of new consumers led to the freezing of classicizing porcelains in this latter, ‘chaste’ idiom. As a widely-owned household good by the mid-nineteenth century, porcelain provided an important, if narrow, form of classical education that has left its mark on the tourist industry, and on our perceptions of the classical world.
Differential epigenetic factors in the prediction of cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients
Authors: Napoli Claudio , Benincasa Giuditta , Schiano Concetta , Salvatore Marco
Published: October 2019

Hyperglycaemia can strongly alter the epigenetic signatures in many types of human vascular cells providing persistent perturbations of protein–protein interactions both in micro- and macro-domains. The establishment of these epigenetic changes may precede cardiovascular (CV) complications and help us to predict vascular lesions in diabetic patients. Importantly, these epigenetic marks may be transmitted across several generations (transgenerational effect) and increase the individual risk of disease. Aberrant DNA methylation and imbalance of histone modifications, mainly acetylation and methylation of H3, represent key determinants of vascular lesions and, thus, putative useful biomarkers for prevention and diagnosis of CV risk in diabetics. Moreover, a differential expression of some micro-RNAs (miRNAs), mainly miR-126, may be a useful prognostic biomarker for atherosclerosis development in asymptomatic subjects. Recently, also environmental-induced chemical perturbations in mRNA (epitranscriptome), mainly the N6-methyladenosine, have been associated with obesity and diabetes. Importantly, reversal of epigenetic changes by modulation of lifestyle and use of metformin, statins, fenofibrate, and apabetalone may offer useful therapeutic options to prevent or delay CV events in diabetics increasing the opportunity for personalized therapy. Network medicine is a promising molecular-bioinformatic approach to identify the signalling pathways underlying the pathogenesis of CV lesions in diabetic patients. Moreover, machine learning tools combined with tomography are advancing the individualized assessment of CV risk in these patients. We remark the need for combining epigenetics and advanced bioinformatic platforms to improve the prediction of vascular lesions in diabetics increasing the opportunity for CV precision medicine.
Association of preceding antithrombotic therapy in atrial fibrillation patients with ischaemic stroke, intracranial haemorrhage, or gastrointestinal bleed and mortality
Authors: Komen Joris J , Forslund Tomas , Mantel-Teeuwisse Aukje K , Klungel Olaf H , von Euler Mia , Braunschweig Frieder , Wallén Håkan , Hjemdahl Paul
Published: October 2019

Aims

To analyse 90-day mortality in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients after a stroke or a severe bleed and assess associations with the type of antithrombotic treatment at the event.

Methods and results

From the Stockholm Healthcare database, we selected 6017 patients with a known history of AF who were diagnosed with ischaemic stroke, 3006 with intracranial haemorrhage, and 4291 with a severe gastrointestinal bleed (GIB). The 90-day mortality rates were 25.1% after ischaemic stroke, 31.6% after intracranial haemorrhage, and 16.2% after severe GIB. We used Cox regression and propensity score-matched analyses to test the association between antithrombotic treatment at the event and 90-day mortality. After intracranial haemorrhage, there was a significantly higher mortality rate in warfarin compared to non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC)-treated patients [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.78]. After an ischaemic stroke and a severe GIB, patients receiving antiplatelets or no antithrombotic treatment had significantly higher mortality rates compared to patients on NOACs, but there was no difference comparing warfarin to NOACs (aHR 0.84, CI 0.63–1.12 after ischaemic stroke, aHR 0.91, CI 0.66–1.25 after severe GIB). Propensity score-matched analysis yielded similar results.

Conclusion

Mortality rates were high in AF patients suffering from an ischaemic stroke, an intracranial haemorrhage, or a severe GIB. NOAC treatment was associated with a lower 90-day mortality after intracranial haemorrhage than warfarin.