bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Temperament on Body Temperature Response to Handling in Angus Cattle
Authors: Lees Angela M. , Salvin Hannah E. , Colditz Ian. G. , Lee Caroline
Published: January 2020

Previous studies have indicated that cattle with more excitable temperaments exhibit an increased stress response. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between temperament traits, handling, and stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH) in beef cattle. Rectal temperatures (TREC, °C) of 60 purebred Angus cattle (30 heifers, 30 steers; 235.2 ± 5.11 kg) were recorded at 20 s intervals from 30 min prior to handling until two hours post handling. All cattle were exposed to a standardized handling procedure consisting of (i) being restrained in a weighing box for 30 s; (ii) being held within the crush for 30 s; and then (iii) being restrained in a head bail for 60 s. Cattle temperaments were evaluated via three traits: (1) agitometer score (AG); (2) crush score (CS); and (3) flight speed (FS) during the handling procedure. Agitometer scores and FS measures were used to describe an AG category (AGCAT) and an FS category (FSCAT) that were used to classify animals into three temperament categories: 1, calm; 2, intermediate; and 3, temperamental. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the associations between (i) AG, CS, FS, and TREC 30 min prior to entry into the weighing box (T-30) and then at 1 min intervals between time of entry into the weighing box (T0) until 10 min post-weighing (T10); and (ii) the relationship between AG, CS, and FS. The relationship between TREC and temperament traits over the 2.5 h were modeled by using a first-order autoregressive repeated measures model. Flight speed had strong to moderate associations with TREC at T-30 (r ≥ 0.37; p ≤ 0.006) and between T0 and T10 (r ≥ 0.36; p ≤ 0.01). There were moderate associations amongst TREC between T0 and T10 and CS (r ≥ 0.31; p ≤ 0.01). A weak relationship existed with CS (r = 0.16; p = 0.16). There were no associations between AG and TREC at T-30 (r ≥ −0.15; p = 0.84) or between T0 and T10 (r ≤ 0.04; p ≥ 0.4). Rectal temperature, irrespective of sex and temperament traits, was influenced by time (p < 0.0001), and maximum TREC (39.3 ± 0.04 °C) occurred between 4 and 5.7 min after entry into the weighing box. In addition, CS (p = 0.007) influenced TREC in these cattle. There were also time × temperament trait × sex interactions with the CS (p = 0.0003) and FSCAT (p = 0.043) categories; however, time × temperament trait interactions were not statistically significant. Results from this study suggest that cattle with excitable temperaments, as evaluated by FS and CS, have a greater increase in TREC. In addition, these results suggest that a relationship exists between basal TREC and FS and CS. Together, these results highlight that temperament, as assessed by FS and CS, influences both basal TREC and the peak temperature recorded following handling but does not influence the magnitude of change in TREC post handling.
Exploring Additive, Synergistic or Antagonistic Effects of Natural Plant Extracts on In Vitro Beef Feedlot-Type Rumen Microbial Fermentation Conditions
Authors: Fandiño Ignacio , Fernandez-Turren Gonzalo , Ferret Alfred , Moya Diego , Castillejos Lorena , Calsamiglia Sergio
Published: January 2020

Six Essential oils (EO) (tea tree oil—TeTr, oregano oil—Ore, clove bud oil—Clo, thyme oil—Thy, rosemary oil—Ros, and sage oil—Sag) in Experiment 1; and different combinations of selected oils in Experiment 2, were evaluate at four doses in an in vitro microbial fermentation system using ruminal fluid from beef cattle fed a 10:90 straw: Concentrate diet. In Experiment 1, TeTr, Ore, Clo and Thy improved rumen fermentation profile in a direction consistent with better feed utilization. In Experiment 2, TeTr mixed with Thy, Ore, Thy + Ore or Clo at 200 and 400 mg/L increased the molar proportion of propionate and decreased that of acetate, and the acetate to propionate ratio. However, the size of the effect was similar to that obtained with TeTr alone, suggesting that effects were not additive. When Thy, Ore or Thy + Ore where mixed with Clo, most effects on rumen fermentation profile disappeared, suggesting an antagonistic interaction of Clo with Thy and Ore. Results do not support the hypothesis of additivity among the EO tested, and antagonistic effects of Clo mixed with Thy or Ore were demonstrated at least in a low pH, beef-type fermentation conditions.
Staphylococcal-Produced Bacteriocins and Antimicrobial Peptides: Their Potential as Alternative Treatments for Staphylococcus aureus Infections
Authors: Newstead Logan L. , Varjonen Katarina , Nuttall Tim , Paterson Gavin K.
Published: January 2020

Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen of both humans and animals, implicated in a wide range of infections. The emergence of antibiotic resistance has resulted in S. aureus strains that are resistant to almost all available antibiotics, making treatment a clinical challenge. Development of novel antimicrobial approaches is now a priority worldwide. Bacteria produce a range of antimicrobial peptides; the most diverse of these being bacteriocins. Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesised peptides, displaying potent antimicrobial activity usually against bacteria phylogenetically related to the producer strain. Several bacteriocins have been isolated from commensal coagulase-negative staphylococci, many of which display inhibitory activity against S. aureus in vitro and in vivo. The ability of these bacteriocins to target biofilm formation and their novel mechanisms of action with efficacy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria make them strong candidates as novel therapeutic antimicrobials. The use of genome-mining tools will help to advance identification and classification of bacteriocins. This review discusses the staphylococcal-derived antimicrobial peptides displaying promise as novel treatments for S. aureus infections.
Characterisation of Campylobacter spp. Isolated from Poultry in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Pillay Stephanie , Amoako Daniel G. , Abia Akebe L. K. , Somboro Anou M. , Shobo Christiana O. , Perrett Keith , Bester Linda A. , Essack Sabiha Y.
Published: January 2020

This study investigated the antibiotic resistance, virulence profiles, and clonality of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolated from an intensive poultry farming system in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Following ethical approval, samples were collected over six weeks using the farm-to-fork approach. Campylobacter spp. were identified using culture, confirmed and differentiated to species level by PCR, and subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing. Selected antibiotic resistance (and mutations) and virulence genes were screened by PCR and confirmed by DNA sequencing. Genetic relatedness amongst the isolates was ascertained using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. In all, 105 isolates were confirmed as belonging to both Campylobacter coli (60; 57%) and C. jejuni (45; 43%). The highest resistance was recorded against erythromycin and clindamycin. The gyrA mutation, A20175C/A2074G point mutation, tet(O), and cmeB, all associated with antibiotic resistance, were detected. All the virulence genes (pldA, ciaB, cdtA, cdtB, cdtC, dnaJ, except for cadF) were also detected. Isolates were grouped into five pulsotypes displaying 85% similarity, irrespective of their resistance profiles. The numerous permutations of clonality, antibiotic resistance, and virulence profiles evident in Campylobacter spp. pose a challenge to food safety and necessitate a comprehensive understanding of the molecular epidemiology of this organism to decrease its spread in the food chain.
Design of Light-Sensitive Triggers for Endothelial NO-Synthase Activation
Authors: Dilly Sébastien , Roman Linda J. , Bogliotti Nicolas , Xie Juan , Deprez Eric , Slama-Schwok Anny
Published: January 2020

A specific light trigger for activating endothelial Nitric Oxide-Synthase (eNOS) in real time would be of unique value to decipher cellular events associated with eNOS activation or to generate on demand cytotoxic levels of NO at specific sites for cancer research. We previously developed novel tools called nanotriggers (NT), which recognized constitutive NO-synthase, eNOS or neuronal NOS (nNOS), mainly via their 2’ phosphate group which is also present in NADPH in its binding site. Laser excitation of NT1 bound to eNOS triggered recombinant NOS activity and released NO. We recently generated new NTs carrying a 2’ or 3’ carboxylate group or two 2’ and 3’ carboxylate moieties replacing the 2’ phosphate group of NADPH. Among these new NT, only the 3’ carboxylate derivative released NO from endothelial cells upon laser activation. Here, Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations showed that the 3’ carboxylate NT formed a folded structure with a hydrophobic hub, inducing a good stacking on FAD that likely drove efficient activation of nNOS. This NT also carried an additional small charged group which increased binding to e/nNOS; fluorescence measurements determined a 20-fold improved affinity upon binding to nNOS as compared to NT1 affinity. To gain in specificity for eNOS, we augmented a previous NT with a “hook” targeting variable residues in the NADPH site of eNOS. We discuss the potential of exploiting the chemical diversity within the NADPH site of eNOS for reversal of endothelial dysfunction in cells and for controlled generation of cytotoxic NO-derived species in cancer tissues.
Application of Pulsed Electric Fields for Obtaining Antioxidant Extracts from Fish Residues
Authors: Franco Daniel , Munekata Paulo E. S. , Agregán Rubén , Bermúdez Roberto , López-Pedrouso María , Pateiro Mirian , Lorenzo José M.
Published: January 2020

Fish processing has serious economic and environmental costs in the food supply chain. It is necessary to find new ways to convert fish residue to added-value products, especially for main aquaculture species. In this study, a pulsed electric field (PEF) process for antioxidant extract production from three residues (gills, bones, and heads) of two commercial species (sea bream and sea bass) was tested. Three methods of extraction using two solvents (water and methanol) and a water extraction assisted by PEF were assessed. Chemical and mineral compositions, as well as amino acid profile of the by-products, were determined. In addition, four in vitro antioxidant methods, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulphonate radical (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay (ORAC), were used to evaluate the extracts. Antioxidant activity was confirmed by DPPH and ABTS and FRAP tests, obtaining the highest values for residues from the sea bream species. ORAC values were higher in methanol than in water solvent. In general, gills were the residues with the greatest antioxidant activity for the four antioxidant assays employed. For DPPH assay, the extracts of water assisted by PEF from heads, bones, and gills yielded significant increases of 35.8%, 68.6%, and 33.8% for sea bream and 60.7%, 71.8%, and 22.1% for sea bass, respectively, with respect to water extracts. Our results suggest that PEF would be an environmentally friendly and economic choice for antioxidant-extract production from low-value by-products from fish processing.
Managing a Smart City Integrated Model through Smart Program Management
Authors: Barletta Vita Santa , Caivano Danilo , Dimauro Giovanni , Nannavecchia Antonella , Scalera Michele
Published: January 2020

Context. A Smart city is intended as a city able to offer advanced integrated services, based on information and communication technology (ICT) technologies and intelligent (smart) use of urban infrastructures for improving the quality of life of its citizens. This goal is pursued by numerous cities worldwide, through smart projects that should contribute to the realization of an integrated vision capable of harmonizing the technologies used and the services developed in various application domains on which a Smart city operates. However, the current scenario is quite different. The projects carried out are independent of each other, often redundant in the services provided, unable to fully exploit the available technologies and reuse the results already obtained in previous projects. Each project is more like a silo than a brick that contributes to the creation of an integrated vision. Therefore, reference models and managerial practices are needed to bring together the efforts in progress towards a shared, integrated, and intelligent vision of a Smart city. Objective. Given these premises, the goal of this research work is to propose a Smart City Integrated Model together with a Smart Program Management approach for managing the interdependencies between project, strategy, and execution, and investigate the potential benefits that derive from using them. Method. Starting from a Smart city worldwide analysis, the Italian scenario was selected, and we carried out a retrospective analysis on a set of 378 projects belonging to nine different Italian Smart cities. Each project was evaluated according to three different perspectives: application domain transversality, technological depth, and interdependences. Results. The results obtained show that the current scenario is far from being considered “smart” and motivates the adoption of a Smart integrated model and Smart program management in the context of a Smart city. Conclusions. The development of a Smart city requires the use of Smart program management, which may significantly improve the level of integration between the application domain transversality and technological depth.
Optical Wave Guiding and Spectral Properties of Micro/Nanofibers Used for Quantum Sensing and Quantum Light Generation
Authors: Ihn Yong Sup , Kim Zaeill , Lee Su-Yong
Published: January 2020

Subwavelength optical micro/nanofibers have been widely used as basic building blocks in the field of quantum sensing and quantum light source by virtue of their properties which include pronounced evanescent field, large surface area, and small optical mode area. This paper presents theoretical studies on the propagation properties of the guided optical wave and the spectral properties of entangled photons from spontaneous four-wave mixing in micro/nanofibers. We first analyze numerically single-mode propagation, field distribution, fraction of power, and group-velocity-dispersions by solving Maxwell’s equations with boundary conditions in cylindrical coordinates. Then, optical wave guiding properties of micro/nanofibers are applied to estimate the spectral properties such as central wavelengths and bandwidths of the created photons via spontaneous four-wave mixing that can be tailored by controlling diameter and length of micro/nanofibers. This theoretical work provides useful guidelines to design micro/nanofiber-based quantum sensing and quantum light sources for quantum technologies.
A New Integrated Approach Based on the Iterative Super-Resolution Algorithm and Expectation Maximization for Face Hallucination
Authors: Lakshminarayanan K. , Santhana Krishnan R. , Golden Julie E. , Harold Robinson Y. , Kumar Raghvendra , Son Le Hoang , Hung Trinh Xuan , Samui Pijush , Ngo Phuong Thao Thi , Tien Bui Dieu
Published: January 2020

This paper proposed and verified a new integrated approach based on the iterative super-resolution algorithm and expectation-maximization for face hallucination, which is a process of converting a low-resolution face image to a high-resolution image. The current sparse representation for super resolving generic image patches is not suitable for global face images due to its lower accuracy and time-consumption. To solve this, in the new method, training global face sparse representation was used to reconstruct images with misalignment variations after the local geometric co-occurrence matrix. In the testing phase, we proposed a hybrid method, which is a combination of the sparse global representation and the local linear regression using the Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm. Therefore, this work recovered the high-resolution image of a corresponding low-resolution image. Experimental validation suggested improvement of the overall accuracy of the proposed method with fast identification of high-resolution face images without misalignment.
Energy Performance Forecasting of Residential Buildings Using Fuzzy Approaches
Authors: Nebot Àngela , Mugica Francisco
Published: January 2020

The energy consumption used for domestic purposes in Europe is, to a considerable extent, due to heating and cooling. This energy is produced mostly by burning fossil fuels, which has a high negative environmental impact. The characteristics of a building are an important factor to determine the necessities of heating and cooling loads. Therefore, the study of the relevant characteristics of the buildings, regarding the heating and cooling needed to maintain comfortable indoor air conditions, could be very useful in order to design and construct energy-efficient buildings. In previous studies, different machine-learning approaches have been used to predict heating and cooling loads from the set of variables: relative compactness, surface area, wall area, roof area, overall height, orientation, glazing area and glazing area distribution. However, none of these methods are based on fuzzy logic. In this research, we study two fuzzy logic approaches, i.e., fuzzy inductive reasoning (FIR) and adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), to deal with the same problem. Fuzzy approaches obtain very good results, outperforming all the methods described in previous studies except one. In this work, we also study the feature selection process of FIR methodology as a pre-processing tool to select the more relevant variables before the use of any predictive modelling methodology. It is proven that FIR feature selection provides interesting insights into the main building variables causally related to heating and cooling loads. This allows better decision making and design strategies, since accurate cooling and heating load estimations and correct identification of parameters that affect building energy demands are of high importance to optimize building designs and equipment specifications.
Real-Time Hand Gesture Spotting and Recognition Using RGB-D Camera and 3D Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Tran Dinh-Son , Ho Ngoc-Huynh , Yang Hyung-Jeong , Baek Eu-Tteum , Kim Soo-Hyung , Lee Gueesang
Published: January 2020

Using hand gestures is a natural method of interaction between humans and computers. We use gestures to express meaning and thoughts in our everyday conversations. Gesture-based interfaces are used in many applications in a variety of fields, such as smartphones, televisions (TVs), video gaming, and so on. With advancements in technology, hand gesture recognition is becoming an increasingly promising and attractive technique in human–computer interaction. In this paper, we propose a novel method for fingertip detection and hand gesture recognition in real-time using an RGB-D camera and a 3D convolution neural network (3DCNN). This system can accurately and robustly extract fingertip locations and recognize gestures in real-time. We demonstrate the accurateness and robustness of the interface by evaluating hand gesture recognition across a variety of gestures. In addition, we develop a tool to manipulate computer programs to show the possibility of using hand gesture recognition. The experimental results showed that our system has a high level of accuracy of hand gesture recognition. This is thus considered to be a good approach to a gesture-based interface for human–computer interaction by hand in the future.
Micro-Mechanism Research into Molecular Chains Orientation Synergistically Induced by Carbon Nanotube and Shear Flow in Injection Molding
Authors: Zhang Meili , Xin Yong
Published: January 2020

For the degree of orderly arrangement of the molecular chains at the interface of nanocomposites, the static and sheared polyethylene (PE)/carbon nanotube (CNT) models and the sheared pure PE model were constructed, and molecular simulation experiments were carried out in comparison. The micro-mechanism of molecular chains orientation, synergistically induced by the carbon nanotube and shear flow in injection molding, was discussed by analyzing the radius of gyration, molecular chain motion, conformation evolution of molecular chains, bond orientation parameter, interface binding energy and atom distribution. The results show that, for the static composite system, the conformation adjustment of PE molecular chains induced by CNT is limited due to the hindrance from the surrounding chains. Thus, the orientation and radius of gyration of molecular chains increase slightly. For the sheared pure PE system, the orientation induced by shear flow is unstable. After the cessation of shear, the molecular chains undergo intense thermal movement and relax quickly. The disorientation is obvious, and the radius of gyration decreases considerably. It is worth noting that for the sheared composite system, shear flow and the CNT have a synergistic effect on the orientation of the molecular chains, which is due to the adsorption effect of the CNT on shear-induced oriented chains and the inhibition effect of CNT on the relaxation of shear-induced oriented chains. Thus, the orientation stability of PE chains is greatly improved, and interface crystallization is promoted. Moreover, because of the more regular arrangement of molecular chains in the sheared composite system, more H atoms and C atoms are close to the surface of the CNT, which increases the van der Waals force, and correspondingly increases the interface binding energy.
Improving Incident Response in Big Data Ecosystems by Using Blockchain Technologies
Authors: Moreno Julio , Serrano Manuel A. , Fernandez Eduardo B. , Fernández-Medina Eduardo
Published: January 2020

Big data ecosystems are increasingly important for the daily activities of any type of company. They are decisive elements in the organization, so any malfunction of this environment can have a great impact on the normal functioning of the company; security is therefore a crucial aspect of this type of ecosystem. When approaching security in big data as an issue, it must be considered not only during the creation and implementation of the big data ecosystem, but also throughout its entire lifecycle, including operation, and especially when managing and responding to incidents that occur. To this end, this paper proposes an incident response process supported by a private blockchain network that allows the recording of the different events and incidents that occur in the big data ecosystem. The use of blockchain enables the security of the stored data to be improved, increasing its immutability and traceability. In addition, the stored records can help manage incidents and anticipate them, thereby minimizing the costs of investigating their causes; that facilitates forensic readiness. This proposal integrates with previous research work, seeking to improve the security of big data by creating a process of secure analysis, design, and implementation, supported by a security reference architecture that serves as a guide in defining the different elements of this type of ecosystem. Moreover, this paper presents a case study in which the proposal is being implemented by using big data and blockchain technologies, such as Apache Spark or Hyperledger Fabric.
Consensus Design for Heterogeneous Battery Energy Storage Systems with Droop Control Considering Geographical Factor
Authors: Zhang Yalin , Song Yunzhong , Fei Shumin
Published: January 2020

This paper proposes a hierarchical control strategy to coordinate battery energy storage devices based on a multi-agent system. The heterogeneous nature of the battery volume is paid much more attention in designing the proportional protocol of the consensus controller. Besides that, a cluster algorithm based on Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) is suggested to represent geographical factor, and on account of that, each Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is classified into its specific cluster zone. Further, an active leader is assigned to be in charge of information from the external side in every cluster. The consensus algorithm reconciles all clusters in a step-by-step way. Energy level, voltage, frequency and active/reactive power sharing of every BESS can reach consensus by an information exchange within and among clusters respectively. Further, a virtual leader is taken into the active leader role in directing frequency and voltage to the reference values. To verify the consensus algorithm, a modified IEEE 57-bus is employed for time-domain simulations in an islanded mode and all BESSs are working in a discharge model.
Secure Secondary Authentication Framework for Efficient Mutual Authentication on a 5G Data Network
Authors: Gong Seonghyeon , EL Azzaoui Abir , Cha Jeonghun , Park Jong Hyuk
Published: January 2020

The service-based architecture of the Fifth Generation(5G) had combined the services and security architectures and enhanced the authentication process of services to expand the coverage of the network, including heterogeneous devices. This architecture uses the secondary authentication for mutual authentication between the User Equipment (UE) and the Data Network (DN) to authenticate devices and services. However, this authentication mechanism can cause a signaling storm in the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) because the end node needs to communicate with the authentication server of the NAS area. This problem could affect the availability of the network when the network is extended. This research proposes a mutual authentication framework that can efficiently perform a mutual authentication process through secondary authentication between UE and DN. The proposed framework uses newly devised network functions: Secondary Authentication Function (SAF) and the Authentication Data Management Function (ADMF). This framework proposes a methodology at the protocol level for efficient mutual authentication using the mobile edge computing architecture. We analyzed the proposed framework in the point of security considerations, and we evaluated the effect of the framework on the traffic of the NAS layer and user experience. Our simulation results show that the proposed framework can reduce the NAS traffic by 39% and total traffic of the overall network by 10%.
Optical Flow-Based Fast Motion Parameters Estimation for Affine Motion Compensation
Authors: Chauvet Antoine , Sugaya Yoshihiro , Miyazaki Tomo , Omachi Shinichiro
Published: January 2020

This study proposes a lightweight solution to estimate affine parameters in affine motion compensation. Most of the current approaches start with an initial approximation based on the standard motion estimation, which only estimates the translation parameters. From there, iterative methods are used to find the best parameters, but they require a significant amount of time. The proposed method aims to speed up the process in two ways, first, skip evaluating affine prediction when it is likely to bring no encoding efficiency benefit, and second, by estimating better initial values for the iteration process. We use the optical flow between the reference picture and the current picture to estimate quickly the best encoding mode and get a better initial estimation. We achieve a reduction in encoding time over the reference of half when compared to the state of the art, with a loss in efficiency below 1%.
Configurable 3D Rowing Model Renders Realistic Forces on a Simulator for Indoor Training
Authors: Basalp Ekin , Bachmann Patrick , Gerig Nicolas , Rauter Georg , Wolf Peter
Published: January 2020

In rowing, rowers need outdoor and indoor training to develop a proficient technique. Although numerous indoor rowing machines have been proposed, none of the devices can realistically render the haptic, visual, and auditory characteristics of an actual rowing scenario. In our laboratory, we developed a simulator to support rowing training indoors. However, rendered forces with the initial rowing model, which was based on a simplified fluid dynamic model that approximated the drag/lift forces, were not perceived realistic enough for indoor training by expert rowers. Therefore, we implemented a new model for the blade–water interaction forces, which incorporates the three-dimensional rotation of the oar and continuously adjusts drag/lift coefficients. Ten expert rowers were asked to evaluate both models for various rowing aspects. In addition, the effect of individualization of model parameters on the perceived realism of rowing forces was elaborated. Based on the answers of the experts, we concluded that the new model rendered realistically resistive forces and ensured a smooth transition of forces within a rowing cycle. Additionally, we found that individualization of parameters significantly improved the perceived realism of the simulator. Equipped with a configurable rowing model, our simulator provides a realistic indoor training platform for rowers.
The Level of the Additive Manufacturing Technology Use in Polish Metal and Automotive Manufacturing Enterprises
Authors: Patalas-Maliszewska Justyna , Topczak Marcin , Kłos Sławomir
Published: January 2020

(1) Background: Products, manufactured using additive manufacturing technologies (AM) are increasingly present on the market. The research was undertaken to determine the possibilities of increasing the use of AM technology in Polish manufacturing companies. The aim of the paper is to determinate the level of the AM technology use of Polish Metal and Automotive Manufacturing and the influence of AM technology use on the increase of manufacturing company’s competitiveness–in the context of Polish Manufacturing Companies. (2) Methods: This paper uses literature studies to determinate the AM technology used within the production processes in the automotive and metal industry companies (so called dimensions) and a questionnaire survey, which was carried out on a sample of 250 Polish Metal and Automotive Manufacturing Enterprises. (3) Results: The results were verified by a statistical analysis, using correlation coefficients. Based on the data obtained, it was determined that both metal and automotive Polish companies use, or have in their investment plans, the implementation of AM technology, due to the need to reduce production costs and increase speed and flexibility when responding to customer needs. Moreover, the relationship between applied additive manufacturing technologies and the effects of their use, in enterprises, was analysed. The novelty of our work is defining the dimensions of the AM technology use for our empirical research and determining the influence of AM technology use on the increase Polish manufacturing company’s competitiveness. (4) Conclusions: The possibilities of using the results of research in economic practice were demonstrated. We also highlighted the impracticality for managers to support the selection and implementation of AM technology in the context of obtaining possible benefits for a manufacturing company.
Intelligent Distribution Network Information Processing Based on Power Data Virtual Plane
Authors: Wang Zhidong , Ni Yingdong , Zhang Zifan , Wang Gan , Chen Zhifeng , Deng Fengqiang , Pu Zhengbin , Yang Ling , Zhang Yongjun , Feng Ruijue , Guo Lin
Published: January 2020

Due to the diversity and complexity of distribution networks, the classical modular software development method may face the difficulty in modular division, data sharing and collaboration of different specialties. Inspired by the idea of separating the control plane from the data forwarding plane in software-defined networking (SDN), a method of power data virtual plane is proposed in this paper to improve software development efficiency. Layered processing of power data virtual plane is designed to meet the diversity characteristics of intelligent distribution network and the multi-source and heterogeneous characteristics of information. This paper introduces the design idea and implementation process of virtual plane in detail. The main component of the power data virtual plane, power data warehouse and application scheduling are presented. Finally, the performance of the proposed virtual plane method is verified by practical distribution network examples with different communication networks and information.
Structure, Properties, and Reactivity of Porphyrins on Surfaces and Nanostructures with Periodic DFT Calculations
Authors: Chilukuri Bhaskar , Mazur Ursula , Hipps K. W.
Published: January 2020

Porphyrins are fascinating molecules with applications spanning various scientific fields. In this review we present the use of periodic density functional theory (PDFT) calculations to study the structure, electronic properties, and reactivity of porphyrins on ordered two dimensional surfaces and in the formation of nanostructures. The focus of the review is to describe the application of PDFT calculations for bridging the gaps in experimental studies on porphyrin nanostructures and self-assembly on 2D surfaces. A survey of different DFT functionals used to study the porphyrin-based system as well as their advantages and disadvantages in studying these systems is presented.
Propagation of Non-Linear Lamb Waves in Adhesive Joint with Micro-Cracks Distributing Randomly
Authors: Li Xiaoyang , Shui Guoshuang , Zhao Youxuan , Wang Yue-Sheng
Published: January 2020

With the advantages of uniform stress transfer and weight reduction, adhesive joints are widely used in engineering. The propagation of non-linear Lamb waves in an adhesive joint with micro-cracks distributing in a random way is systematically investigated by using the numerical simulation method in this paper. A finite element model of the tri-layer adhesive structure with micro-cracks distributing randomly is established, and the Lamb wave mode pair with a matching condition of the phase velocity is chosen to examine the interaction of the micro-cracks with Lamb waves. The results show that the micro-cracks within the adhesive layer will lead to the generation of second harmonics. We also find that the Acoustic Non-linearity Parameters (ANP) increase with the propagation distance in the micro-crack damage zone and the density of the micro-cracks. However, ANPs are less concerned with the friction coefficients of the surface of micro-cracks. This numerical research reveals that non-linear Lamb waves can be employed to effectively characterize the micro-cracks related damages within an adhesive joint.
Modeling of the Loading–Unloading Contact of Two Cylindrical Rough Surfaces with Friction
Authors: Wang Honghai , Jia Peng , Wang Liquan , Yun Feihong , Wang Gang , Liu Ming , Wang Xiangyu
Published: January 2020

The first fractal model for the loading–unloading process between two cylindrical surfaces with friction is presented. The nonlinear relation between the real contact area and the contact load in different deformation stages are deduced for a load–unload cycle. The impacts of parameters in the model are discussed. The numerical results show that for a given dimensionless contact load, the dimensionless real contact area of the loading–unloading process of cylindrical contact surface with friction, as well as the differences of the dimensionless real contact area between the loading and unloading processes, increase with the increase of the loading interference and fractal dimension, decrease of the profile scaling parameter and curvature radius, or the substitution of external contact for internal contact.
Maximum Correntropy Criterion Based l1-Iterative Wiener Filter for Sparse Channel Estimation Robust to Impulsive Noise
Authors: Lim Junseok
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we propose a new sparse channel estimator robust to impulsive noise environments. For this kind of estimator, the convex regularized recursive maximum correntropy (CR-RMC) algorithm has been proposed. However, this method requires information about the true sparse channel to find the regularization coefficient for the convex regularization penalty term. In addition, the CR-RMC has a numerical instability in the finite-precision cases that is linked to the inversion of the auto-covariance matrix. We propose a new method for sparse channel estimation robust to impulsive noise environments using an iterative Wiener filter. The proposed algorithm does not need information about the true sparse channel to obtain the regularization coefficient for the convex regularization penalty term. It is also numerically more robust, because it does not require the inverse of the auto-covariance matrix.
Complete Evaluation of Cell Mixing and Hydrodynamic Performance of Thin-Layer Cascade Reactor
Authors: Akhtar Shehnaz , Ali Haider , Park Cheol Woo
Published: January 2020

Microalgae are a great source of food and supplements as well as a potential source for the production of biofuels. However, the operational cost must be reduced to allow viable productions of bulk chemicals such as biofuels from microalgae. One approach to minimize the cost is to increase the efficiency of the photobioreactor. Photobioreactor efficiency is correlated to hydrodynamic mixing, which promotes single cell exposure to sunlight, keeps algae cells in suspension, and homogenizes the distribution of nutrients. Thus, a possible route to enhance the efficiency of the photobioreactor can be identified through an improved understanding of the mixing phenomenon. Therefore, for the current thin-layer cascade reactor, two aspects of its performance—namely, cell mixing and hydrodynamic characteristics—are evaluated under varying mass flow rates, slope angles, water depths, and aspect ratios of the channel by using computational fluid dynamics. The resulting model is validated with experimental data. Results reveal that limited cell mixing is achieved in the thin-layer cascade reactor with increased water depth and large aspect ratios. However, cell mixing is significantly increased at high mass flow rates. The increase in the mass flow rate and slope angle results in increased flow velocity and power consumption.
Evaluation of the Potential Electromagnetic Interference in Vertically Stacked 3D Integrated Circuits
Authors: Kapoor Dipesh , Tan Cher Ming , Sangwan Vivek
Published: January 2020

Advancements in the functionalities and operating frequencies of integrated circuits (IC) have led to the necessity of measuring their electromagnetic Interference (EMI). Three-dimensional integrated circuit (3D-IC) represents the current advancements for multi-functionalities, high speed, high performance, and low-power IC technology. While the thermal challenges of 3D-IC have been studied extensively, the influence of EMI among the stacked dies has not been investigated. With the decreasing spacing between the stacked dies, this EMI can become more severe. This work demonstrates the potential of EMI within a 3D-IC numerically, and determines the minimum distance between stack dies to reduce the impact of EMI from one another before they are fabricated. The limitations of using near field measurement for the EMI study in stacked dies 3D-IC are also illustrated.
Evaluation of the Impact of Imprinted Polymer Particles on Morphology and Motility of Breast Cancer Cells by Using Digital Holographic Cytometry
Authors: Patel Megha , Feith Marek , Janicke Birgit , Alm Kersti , El-Schich Zahra
Published: January 2020

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer type worldwide and breast cancer metastasis accounts for the majority of breast cancer-related deaths. Tumour cells produce increased levels of sialic acid (SA) that terminates the monosaccharide on glycan chains of the glycosylated proteins. SA can contribute to cellular recognition, cancer invasiveness and increase the metastatic potential of cancer cells. SA-templated molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been proposed as promising reporters for specific targeting of cancer cells when deployed in nanoparticle format. The sialic acid-molecularly imprinted polymers (SA-MIPs), which use SA for the generation of binding sites through which the nanoparticles can target and stain breast cancer cells, opens new strategies for efficient diagnostic tools. This study aims at monitoring the effects of SA-MIPs on morphology and motility of the epithelial type MCF-7 and the highly metastatic MDAMB231 breast cancer cell lines, using digital holographic cytometry (DHC). DHC is a label-free technique that is used in cell morphology studies of e.g., cell volume, area and thickness as well as in motility studies. Here, we show that MCF-7 cells move slower than MDAMB231 cells. We also show that SA-MIPs have an effect on cell morphology, motility and viability of both cell lines. In conclusion, by using DH microscopy, we could detect SA-MIPs impact on different breast cancer cells regarding morphology and motility.
Preparation of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Bacterial-Cellulose-Coated Biochar–Nanosilver Antibacterial Composite Membranes
Authors: Zhang Liang , Zheng Sen , Hu Zhihui , Zhong Lvling , Wang Yao , Zhang Xiaomin , Xue Juanqin
Published: January 2020

Pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms in drinking water can cause various diseases, and new types of antibacterial material for water treatment and filtration are urgently needed. In this work, polyvinyl alcohol/bacterial cellulose/biochar–nanosilver (PVA/BC/C-Ag) antibacterial composite membrane materials were prepared by uniformly dispersing C-Ag particles in a PVA/BC mixed gel. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) were used to characterize the composite membranes. Results indicated that the BC was uniformly mixed into the PVA gel and that the C-Ag particles were uniformly immobilized in the PVA/BC hybrid membrane. The PVA/BC/C-Ag composite membranes exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli when assayed using a plate-counting technique. When used to treat actual contaminated water, the composite membranes demonstrated sustained antibacterial activity and good reusability. PVA/BC/C-Ag composite membranes have great potential for the development of drinking water treatment applications.
Study of a SiC Trench MOSFET Edge-Termination Structure with a Bottom Protection Well for a High Breakdown Voltage
Authors: Jeong Jee-Hun , Cha Ju-Hong , Kim Goon-Ho , Cho Sung-Hwan , Lee Ho-Jun
Published: January 2020

A novel edge-termination structure for a SiC trench metal–oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) power device is proposed. The key feature of the proposed structure is a periodically formed SiC trench with a bottom protection well (BPW) implantation region. The trench can be filled with oxide or gate materials. Indeed, it has almost the same cross-sectional structure as the active region of a SiC trench MOSFET. Therefore, there is little or no additional process loads. A conventional floating field ring (FFR) structure utilizes the spreading of the electric field in the periodically depleted surface region formed between a heavily doped equipotential region. On the other hand, in the trenched ring structure, an additional quasi-equipotential region is provided by the BPW region, which enables deeper and wider field-spreading profiles, and less field crowding at the edge region. The two-dimensional Technology Computer Aided Design (2D-TCAD) simulation results show that the proposed trenched ring-edge termination structures have an improved breakdown voltage compared to the conventional floating field ring structure.
A Circular Economy Virtuous Example—Use of a Stabilized Waste Material Instead of Calcite to Produce Sustainable Composites
Authors: Assi Ahmad , Bilo Fabjola , Zanoletti Alessandra , Ducoli Serena , Ramorino Giorgio , Gobetti Anna , Zacco Annalisa , Federici Stefania , Depero Laura E. , Bontempi Elza
Published: January 2020

This work reports and analyzes the mechanical properties of some composites obtained using stabilized waste with epoxy resins E-227. For comparison, correspondent composite samples were realized using calcite as a filler. The recovered stabilized waste was obtained by means of a new method to stabilize municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash (FA), based on the use of bottom ash (BA). The aim of this paper is to show that the stabilization process, which can be considered a zero—waste treatment, produces inert materials, that can be reused as a filler. The production of new filler was made on a pilot plant, designed to verify the transferability of the proposed stabilization technology. Mechanical analysis revealed that flexural modulus raises by increasing the filler content around 30% wt, independently of filler type, stabilized sample or calcium carbonate. Mechanical properties are lower in the samples with the high amount of filler due to the crowding effect. The morphology of composite materials showed a non-homogeneous dispersion of particles in stabilized sample filler, characterized by large particle agglomerates. Finally, according to the ESCAPE simplified method, the obtained composites result more sustainable in comparison with the corresponding ones produced by using natural resources (like calcite). These findings open new possibilities for the reuse of the stabilized material, in frame of circular economy principles, with environmental and economic advantages.
An Educational Approach for Present and Future of Digital Transformation in Portuguese Organizations
Authors: Pereira Carla Santos , Durão Natércia , Fonseca David , Ferreira Maria João , Moreira Fernando
Published: January 2020

The current technological evolution allows us to easily and quickly obtain more information, computing capacity, communication and connectivity, in addition to allowing new forms of collaboration between disperse networks of diversified actors. This new reality not only offers enormous potential for innovation and enhanced performance for organizations but also, extends beyond the classic boundaries to affect individuals, other organizations and society in general. At the same time, this reality makes the ability of organizations to uphold their competitive advantage more challenging, since the control of the elements of their operating environment decreases drastically as they increasingly control the elements of the same environment. This is how the digital transformation of organizations becomes unavoidable, because otherwise they tend to disappear. In this context, it is necessary to infer our students’ methods for researching, identifying and taking solutions about if organizations in Portugal are already living the aforementioned digital transformation or if they are aware of the need to adapt to this new reality. The main goal of this research formatted as educational approach, is to evaluate and compare the current state of digital adoption in terms of the preparation according to the prevailing technological categories (pillars and innovation accelerators), as well as future priorities of organizations in the implementation of digital transformation in Portuguese organizations. To evaluate such objectives, a Project Based Learning (PBL) approach was used to reinforce the research and decision-making skills of undergraduate business students. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that organizations are aware of the need to accommodate the digital transformation not to fail and disappearing. However, it is not possible to conclude which strategy is to be adopted by the organizations, and how such a strategy will affect the organization as a whole, in particular as in respect of its business model.