bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bidirectional evaluation with direct manipulation
Authors: Mayer Mikaël , Kuncak Viktor , Chugh Ravi
Published: October 2018

We present an evaluation update (or simply, update) algorithm for a full-featured functional programming language, which synthesizes program changes based on output changes. Intuitively, the update algorithm retraces the steps of the original evaluation, rewriting the program as needed to reconcile differences between the original and updated output values. Our approach, furthermore, allows expert users to define custom lenses that augment the update algorithm with more advanced or domain-specific program updates.

To demonstrate the utility of evaluation update, we implement the algorithm in Sketch-n-Sketch, a novel direct manipulation programming system for generating HTML documents. In Sketch-n-Sketch, the user writes an ML-style functional program to generate HTML output. When the user directly manipulates the output using a graphical user interface, the update algorithm reconciles the changes. We evaluate bidirectional evaluation in Sketch-n-Sketch by authoring ten examples comprising approximately 1400 lines of code in total. These examples demonstrate how a variety of HTML documents and applications can be developed and edited interactively in Sketch-n-Sketch, mitigating the tedious edit-run-view cycle in traditional programming environments.
Persistence semantics for weak memory: integrating epoch persistency with the TSO memory model
Authors: Raad Azalea , Vafeiadis Viktor
Published: October 2018

Emerging non-volatile memory (NVM) technologies promise the durability of disks with the performance of volatile memory (RAM). To describe the persistency guarantees of NVM, several memory persistency models have been proposed in the literature. However, the formal semantics of such persistency models in the context of existing mainstream hardware has been unexplored to date. To close this gap, we integrate the buffered epoch persistency model with the 'total-store-order' (TSO) memory model of the x86 and SPARC architectures. We thus develop the PTSO ('persistent' TSO) model and formalise its semantics both operationally and declaratively. We demonstrate that the two characterisations of PTSO are equivalent. We then formulate the notion of persistent linearisability to establish the correctness of library implementations in the context of persistent memory. To showcase our formalism, we develop two persistent implementations of a queue library, and apply persistent linearisability to show their correctness.
What happens-after the first race? enhancing the predictive power of happens-before based dynamic race detection
Authors: Mathur Umang , Kini Dileep , Viswanathan Mahesh
Published: October 2018

Dynamic race detection is the problem of determining if an observed program execution reveals the presence of a data race in a program. The classical approach to solving this problem is to detect if there is a pair of conflicting memory accesses that are unordered by Lamport’s happens-before (HB) relation. HB based race detection is known to not report false positives, i.e., it is sound. However, the soundness guarantee of HB only promises that the first pair of unordered, conflicting events is a
schedulable
data race. That is, there can be pairs of HB-unordered conflicting data accesses that are not schedulable races because there is no reordering of the events of the execution, where the events in race can be executed immediately after each other. We introduce a new partial order, called schedulable happens-before (SHB) that exactly characterizes the pairs of schedulable data races — every pair of conflicting data accesses that are identified by SHB can be scheduled, and every HB-race that can be scheduled is identified by SHB. Thus, the SHB partial order is truly sound. We present a linear time, vector clock algorithm to detect schedulable races using SHB. Our experiments demonstrate the value of our algorithm for dynamic race detection — SHB incurs only little performance overhead and can scale to executions from real-world software applications without compromising soundness.
Robust relational layout synthesis from examples for Android
Authors: Bielik Pavol , Fischer Marc , Vechev Martin
Published: October 2018

We present a novel approach for synthesizing robust relational layouts from examples. Given an application design consisting of a set of views and their location on the screen, we synthesize a relational layout that when rendered, places the components at that same location.

We present an end-to-end system, called InferUI, that addresses the above challenge in the context of Android. The system is based on the following technical contributions: (i) a formalization of the latest and most efficient ConstraintLayout class, capturing a rich set of relational constraints, (ii) a set of robustness properties designed to prevent common layout generalization errors, (iii) a synthesis algorithm that produces relational layouts that generalize across multiple screen sizes and resolutions, and (iv) a probabilistic model of constraints that guides the synthesizer towards layouts preferred by developers.

Our evaluation shows that InferUI is practically effective: it successfully synthesizes real world complex layouts obtained from top 500 GitHub and top 500 Google Play Store applications, succeeds in 100% of the cases when synthesizing layouts for a single device, and correctly generalizes 92% of the views across multiple devices, all without requiring additional specifications.
Conflict resolution for structured merge via version space algebra
Authors: Zhu Fengmin , He Fei
Published: October 2018

Resolving conflicts is the main challenge for software merging. The existing merge tools usually rely on the developer to manually resolve conflicts. This is of course inefficient. We propose an interactive approach for resolving merge conflicts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt for conflict resolution of structured merge. To represent the possibly very large set of candidate programs, we propose an expressive and efficient representation by version space algebra. We also design a simple mechanism for ranking resolutions in the program space, such that the top-ranked resolution is very likely to meet the developer's expectation. We prototype our approach as a merge tool AutoMerge, and evaluate it on 244 real-world conflicts arising from 10 open-source projects. Results show great practicality of our approach.
Effects of acute and chronic nicotine on catecholamine neurons of the nucleus of the solitary tract
Authors: Page Stephen J. , Zhu Mingyan , Appleyard Suzanne M.
Published: October 2018

Nicotine is an addictive drug that has broad effects throughout the brain. One site of action is the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), where nicotine initiates a stress response and modulates cardiovascular and gastric function through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Catecholamine (CA) neurons in the NTS influence stress and gastric and cardiovascular reflexes, making them potential mediators of nicotine’s effects; however nicotine’s effect on these neurons is unknown. Here, we determined nicotine’s actions on NTS-CA neurons by use of patch-clamp techniques in brain slices from transgenic mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein driven by the tyrosine hydroxylase promoter (TH-EGFP). Picospritzing nicotine both induced a direct inward current and increased the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) in NTS-CA neurons, effects blocked by nonselective nAChR antagonists TMPH and MLA. The increase in sEPSC frequency was mimicked by nAChRα7 agonist AR-R17779 and blocked by nAChRα7 antagonist MG624. AR-R17779 also increased the firing of TH-EGFP neurons, an effect dependent on glutamate inputs, as it was blocked by the glutamate antagonist NBQX. In contrast, the nicotine-induced current was mimicked by nAChRα4β2 agonist RJR2403 and blocked by nAChRα4β2 antagonist DHβE. RJR2403 also increased the firing rate of TH-EGFP neurons independently of glutamate. Finally, both somatodendritic and sEPSC nicotine responses from NTS-CA neurons were larger in nicotine-dependent mice that had under gone spontaneous nicotine withdrawal. These results demonstrate that 1) nicotine activates NTS-CA neurons both directly, by inducing a direct current, and indirectly, by increasing glutamate inputs, and 2) NTS-CA nicotine responsiveness is altered during nicotine withdrawal.
Defining Physiological Normoxia for Improved Translation of Cell Physiology to Animal Models and Humans
Authors: Keeley Thomas P. , Mann Giovanni E.
Published: October 2018

The extensive oxygen gradient between the air we breathe (Po2~21 kPa) and its ultimate distribution within mitochondria (as low as ~0.5–1 kPa) is testament to the efforts expended in limiting its inherent toxicity. It has long been recognized that cell culture undertaken under room air conditions falls short of replicating this protection in vitro. Despite this, difficulty in accurately determining the appropriate O2levels in which to culture cells, coupled with a lack of the technology to replicate and maintain a physiological O2environment in vitro, has hindered addressing this issue thus far. In this review, we aim to address the current understanding of tissue Po2distribution in vivo and summarize the attempts made to replicate these conditions in vitro. The state-of-the-art techniques employed to accurately determine O2levels, as well as the issues associated with reproducing physiological O2levels in vitro, are also critically reviewed. We aim to provide the framework for researchers to undertake cell culture under O2levels relevant to specific tissues and organs. We envisage that this review will facilitate a paradigm shift, enabling translation of findings under physiological conditions in vitro to disease pathology and the design of novel therapeutics.
Research on Time-Space Fractional Model for Gravity Waves in Baroclinic Atmosphere
Authors: Ren Yanwei , Dong Huanhe , Meng Xinzhu , Yang Hongwei
Published: October 2018

The research of gravity solitary waves movement is of great significance to the study of ocean and atmosphere. Baroclinic atmosphere is a complex atmosphere, and it is closer to the real atmosphere. Thus, the study of gravity waves in complex atmosphere motion is becoming increasingly essential. Deriving fractional partial differential equation models to describe various waves in the atmosphere and ocean can open up a new window for us to understand the fluid movement more deeply. Generally, the time fractional equations are obtained to reflect the nonlinear waves and few space-time fractional equations are involved. In this paper, using multiscale analysis and perturbation method, from the basic dynamic multivariable equations under the baroclinic atmosphere, the integer order mKdV equation is derived to describe the gravity solitary waves which occur in the baroclinic atmosphere. Next, employing the semi-inverse and variational method, we get a new model under the Riemann-Liouville derivative definition, i.e., space-time fractional mKdV (STFmKdV) equation. Furthermore, the symmetry analysis and the nonlinear self-adjointness of STFmKdV equation are carried out and the conservation laws are analyzed. Finally, adopting the exp(-Φ(ξ)) method, we obtain five different solutions of STFmKdV equation by considering the different cases of the parameters (η,σ). Particularly, we study the formation and evolution of gravity solitary waves by considering the fractional derivatives of nonlinear terms.
An Improved Differential Evolution Algorithm for a Multicommodity Location‐Inventory Problem with False Failure Returns
Authors: Li Congdong , Guo Hao , Zhang Ying , Deng Shuai , Wang Yu
Published: October 2018

Customer returns are a common phenomenon in many industries, and they have a significant impact on business organizations and their supply chains. False failure returns are returned products that have no functional or cosmetic defects, and they represent a large body of customer returns in practice. In this paper, we develop a mixed‐integer nonlinear programming model to study a multicommodity location‐inventory problem in a forward‐reverse logistics network. This model minimizes the total cost in this network by considering false failure returns, and it also considers many real‐world business scenarios in forward and reverse logistics flows. Moreover, we design a new heuristic approach to solve the model efficiently. Finally, numerical experiments are conducted to validate our solution approach and provide meaningful managerial insights.
Two Approximation Models of Fuzzy Weight Vector from a Comparison Matrix
Authors: Entani Tomoe
Published: October 2018

In this study, our uncertain judgment on multiple items is denoted as a fuzzy weight vector. Its membership function is estimated from more than one interval weight vector. The interval weight vector is obtained from a crisp/interval comparison matrix by Interval Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). We redefine it as a closure of the crisp weight vectors which approximate the comparison matrix. The intuitively given comparison matrix is often imperfect so that there could be various approaches to approximate it. We propose two of them: upper and lower approximation models. The former is based on weight possibility and the weight vector with it includes the comparison matrix. The latter is based on comparison possibility and the comparison matrix with it includes the weight vector.
Prevalence of HCV Infection in Household Contacts of Chronic Liver Diseases Cases in Egypt
Authors: Bayomy Helal Hanaa E. , Yuonis Abdelmoniem , Shaker Rania H. M. , Elawady Mona Ahmed
Published: October 2018

Background. Egypt has the highest prevalence of HCV infection worldwide. This project aimed at identifying the role of HCV transmission among household contacts to index cases in the persistent high incidence of HCV infection in Egypt.Methods. This cross-sectional study recruited 70 Egyptian cases with chronic liver diseases and their household contacts (140 contacts) from Qalubeyia Governorate. An interview questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors to HCV infection. HCV-RNA was tested using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to estimate the risk of HCV infection among contacts.Results. HCV viremia was detected in 85.7% of cases and 20% of contacts. HCV-RNA was detected in higher proportion of household contacts to cases than the general population. Contacts to HCV-positive cases were unlikely exposed to used syringe (P=0.02) and unlikely to have history of Bilharziasis (P=0.001) compared to contacts to HCV-negative cases. HCV-positive contacts were more likely older (P<0.001) and married (P=0.008) and had higher crowding index (P=0.04) than HCV-negative contacts. Also, HCV-positive contacts were more likely exposed to blood transfusion (P=0.008) and shaving at community barber (P=0.04) and had history of Bilharziasis (P=0.01). The strongest predictors for HCV infection among contacts were old age (OR, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.02 to 1.15;P=0.01) and blood transfusion (8.08, 1.75 to 37.3;P=0.007).Conclusion. Nonetheless, household contacts to HCV cases are exposed to increased risk of HCV infection, and environmental exposure particularly blood transfusion remained a major source of HCV infection.
Combining the Multi‐Genetic Algorithm and Support Vector Machine for Fault Diagnosis of Bearings
Authors: Xiong Jianbin , Zhang Qinghua , Liang Qiong , Zhu Hongbin , Li Haiying
Published: October 2018

Overstudy or understudy phenomena can sometimes occur due to the strong dependence of support vector machine (SVM) algorithms on particular parameters and the lack of systems theory relating to parameter selection. In this paper, a parameter optimization algorithm for the SVM is proposed based on multi‐genetic algorithm. The algorithm optimizes the correlation kernel parameters of the SVM using evolutionary search principles of multiple swarm genetic algorithms to obtain a superior SVM prediction model. The experimental results demonstrate that by combining the genetic algorithm and SVM algorithm, fault diagnosis can be effectively realized for bearings of rotating machinery.
Pricing Vulnerable European Options under Lévy Process with Stochastic Volatility
Authors: Ma Chaoqun , Yue Shengjie , Ren Yishuai
Published: October 2018

This paper considers the pricing issue of vulnerable European option when the dynamics of the underlying asset value and counterparty’s asset value follow two correlated exponential Lévy processes with stochastic volatility, and the stochastic volatility is divided into the long-term and short-term volatility. A mean-reverting process is introduced to describe the common long-term volatility risk in underlying asset price and counterparty’s asset value. The short-term fluctuation of stochastic volatility is governed by a mean-reverting process. Based on the proposed model, the joint moment generating function of underlying log-asset price and counterparty’s log-asset value is explicitly derived. We derive a closed-form solution for the vulnerable European option price by using the Fourier inversion formula for distribution functions. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the effects of stochastic volatility, jump risk, and counterparty credit risk on the vulnerable option price.
Multifunctional Phytocompounds in Cotoneaster Fruits: Phytochemical Profiling, Cellular Safety, Anti‐Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects in Chemical and Human Plasma Models In Vitro
Authors: Kicel Agnieszka , Kolodziejczyk-Czepas Joanna , Owczarek Aleksandra , Rutkowska Magdalena , Wajs-Bonikowska Anna , Granica Sebastian , Nowak Pawel , Olszewska Monika A.
Published: October 2018

The work presents the results of an investigation into the molecular background of the activity of Cotoneaster fruits, providing a detailed description of their phytochemical composition and some of the mechanisms of their anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects. GS‐FID‐MS and UHPLC‐PDA‐ESI‐MS3 methods were applied to identify the potentially health‐beneficial constituents of lipophilic and hydrophilic fractions, leading to the identification of fourteen unsaturated fatty acids (with dominant linoleic acid, 375.4–1690.2 mg/100 g dw), three phytosterols (with dominant β‐sitosterol, 132.2–463.3 mg/100 g), two triterpenoid acids (10.9–54.5 mg/100 g), and twenty‐six polyphenols (26.0–43.5 mg GAE/g dw). The most promising polyphenolic fractions exhibited dose‐dependent anti‐inflammatory activity in in vitro tests of lipoxygenase (IC50 in the range of 7.7–24.9 μg/U) and hyaluronidase (IC50 in the range of 16.4–29.3 μg/U) inhibition. They were also demonstrated to be a source of effective antioxidants, both in in vitro chemical tests (DPPH, FRAP, and TBARS) and in a biological model, in which at in vivo‐relevant levels (1–5 μg/mL) they normalized/enhanced the nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity of human plasma and efficiently protected protein and lipid components of plasma against peroxynitrite‐induced oxidative/nitrative damage. Moreover, the investigated extracts did not exhibit cytotoxicity towards human PMBCs. Among the nine Cotoneaster species tested, C. hjelmqvistii, C. zabelii, C. splendens, and C. bullatus possess the highest bioactive potential and might be recommended as dietary and functional food products.
Identification Method of Shaft Orbit in Rotating Machines Based on Accurate Fourier Height Functions Descriptors
Authors: Wu Bo , Feng Songlin , Sun Guodong , Xu Liang , Ai Chenghan
Published: October 2018

In this paper, an algorithm based on two novel shape descriptors and support vector machine (SVM) is proposed to improve the recognition accuracy and speed of shaft orbits of rotating machines. Firstly, two novel shape descriptors, respectively, named accurate Fourier height functions 1 (AFHF1) and accurate Fourier height functions 2 (AFHF2) are presented based on height function (HF) and Fourier transformation. Both AFHF1 and AFHF2 shape descriptors are constant to similarity transforms and also have intrinsic invariance to the starting point change and are more compacted than HF. Therefore, they perform well on the global or local features of the contours of shaft orbits. Then, the AFHF1 and AFHF2 shape descriptors are utilized to extract features of shaft orbits in the simulated dataset and measured dataset. Taking extracted feature vectors as the input, SVM is adopted in order to classify the fault types according to the shapes of shaft orbits. Finally, a series of descriptors including shape context (SC), inner‐distance shape context (IDSC), triangular centroid distances (TCDs), and HF were compared to verify the performance of the proposed AFHF1 and AFHF2 shape descriptors. The average accuracy of our method in simulated dataset and measured dataset are all higher than 99.83%, the average recognition time of each sample is no more than 19 milliseconds. The experiments demonstrate that the proposed method has the best recognition accuracy and real‐time and antinoise performance.
Isolation, Characterization, and Quantification of Bacteria from African Sausages Sold in Nairobi County, Kenya
Authors: Karoki W. H. , Karanja D. N. , Bebora L. C. , Njagi L. W.
Published: October 2018

African sausages are local popular delicacies in Kenya. Demand for these sausages has resulted in this delicacy’s vendors being on the increase. However, health risk posed to unsuspecting consumers of African sausages sold in informal, unhygienic make shift road-side kiosks in major cities of Kenya is largely unknown. A descriptive study was designed to isolate, characterize and quantify bacteria from African sausages sold in Nairobi County. A total of hundred (100) African sausages (62 roasted and 38 nonroasted) were conveniently collected from three meat eatery points of Westlands, Kangemi slum, and Pangani estates. Five genera of bacteria, namely,Staphylococcusspp. at 50.4%,Bacillusspp. at 19.5%,Streptococcusspp. 9.8%,Proteusspp. 2.4%, andE. colispp. at 1.6%, were isolated from 80 African sausage samples. The total aerobic bacterial count range was between 1.0-9.9x101and 1.0-9.9x107log cfu/g with 37 samples having total aerobic bacterial count of between 1.0-9.9 x104and 1.0-9.9 x107log cfu/g. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in distribution of isolates and total aerobic bacterial count across geographical sites studied among the roasted and nonroasted African sausages. This study has demonstrated presence of bacteria in African sausages which are potentially zoonotic to humans. Comprehensive study is needed to sample more eatery meat points in Nairobi and other areas in order to demonstrate pathogenic attributes of these isolates and establish the respective total aerobic bacterial count. There is also need to establish the sources of bacteria due to high total aerobic bacterial count determined in the current study.
Vibration Analysis of a Two‐Step Sine Movable Tooth Drive
Authors: Xu Lizhong , Yang Jinan
Published: October 2018

In this study, a 3D model of a two‐step sine movable tooth drive is developed in the UG software. The finite element model (FEM) analysis package, ANSYS, is used to calculate the natural frequencies and vibration modes of the drive system. The results show that the first twenty natural frequencies can be classified into five families, including the total system vibration mode, single‐element vibration mode, two‐element vibration mode, three‐element vibration mode, and four‐element vibration mode. The effects of the system parameters on the natural frequencies and the vibration modes are investigated. The track amplitude, the movable tooth radius, the radius of the movable tooth rotation, and the number of movable teeth affect the natural frequencies and vibration modes of the drive system.
Assessment of Intermingled Phlegm and Blood Stasis Syndrome in Coronary Heart Disease: Development of a Diagnostic Scale
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Li Xian-tao , Liu Xiao-qi , Wang Bing , Fang Ge
Published: October 2018

Background. Intermingled Phlegm and Blood Stasis Syndrome (IPBSS) is a common feature in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). In clinical practice, the diagnostic agreement of clinical doctor of Chinese Medicine (CM) is poor. We previously developed a IPBSS diagnostic scale for use by general practitioner. Objectives. To assess a IPBSS diagnostic scale that we previously developed for use by non‐experts. Methods. This is a multicenter, prospective study involving eight study sites across China. Eligible patients were adults (≥18 years) with CHD as demonstrated by a history of myocardial infarction, stenosis, or past coronary revascularization. IPBSS was assessed using a scale that consisted of 14 items in two domains (e.g., phlegm and blood stasis). The score range for each item was 0 to 3 points. Maximum total score was 72 points. Diagnostic accuracy was verified using consensus opinion by two independent experts as reference. Results. A total of 1,142 CHD patients were included. IPBSS was established in 729 subjects using the IPBSS diagnostic scale. In ROC curve analyses, at the optimal cut‐off of 25.5, the sensitivity and specificity of the IPBSS scale were 67.6% and 72.4%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 0.741 (95%CI: 0.711‐0.772). Conclusions. The newly developed IPBSS scoring system showed moderate performance in diagnosing IPBSS in CHD patients. Data from further large‐scale diagnostic test accuracy studies are warranted. This trial is registered with ChiCTR-OOC-15006599.
A Computing Method for Sand Inrush Quantity through a Borehole in Longde Coal Mine
Authors: Zhang Boyang , Lin Zhibin
Published: October 2018

A quicksand disaster through a borehole occurred in Longde coal mine. A lot of aeolian sand, the volume of which is between 310,000 m3 and 380,000 m3, has submerged into the underground space in about 70.5 h. The volume flux of quicksand cannot be calculated accurately by the empirical method. Based on the method of fluid mechanics, an all‐purpose computing method for quicksand disaster through a borehole was proposed. The result shows that the inrush volume of sand into underground space was between 310,000 m3 and 350,000 m3, which was consistent with the actual result. To apply and popularize this method, the impact laws of water yield properties of an aquifer on the volume flux were discussed. The all‐purpose computing method can be suitably used for the volume flux calculation of quicksand disaster through the borehole.
Case Report of Atypical Juxtaglomerular Cell Tumor
Authors: Munakata Satoru , Tomiyama Eisuke , Takayama Hitoshi
Published: October 2018

Juxtaglomerular cell tumor (JGCT) is a rare renal tumor, producing renin and behaving almost in a benign fashion. So far, only three cases have been reported as malignant. We report a rare case with atypical JGCT. A 74-year-old male was referred to our hospital due to hypertension, proteinuria, and hematuria. Abdominal CT revealed a mass measured in 9.7×7.0 cm in the lower portion of the right kidney. Right kidney was removed laparoscopically. Grossly, white to tan tumor with massive hemorrhage and necrosis occupied the lower portion of the right kidney. Microscopically, tumor grew in a solid fashion. Tumor cells were polygonal to ovoid cells with round nuclei and clear to eosinophilic cytoplasm. Mitosis was found in 5 per 10 HPF. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were stained by vimentin and CD34. Some tumor cells were also positive for renin. Electron micrograph showed near rhomboid crystalline structure in the tumor cells. Because of massive necrosis and mitotic figures, diagnosis of atypical (potentially malignant) JGCT was rendered. Gene mutations for IDH1, PIK3CA, K-ras, N-ras, Braf, and EGFR were not found by MBP-QP system.
Shape Analysis of the Patellar Bone Surface and Cutting Plane for Knee Replacement Surgery
Authors: Rex E. L. , Werle J. , Burkart B. C. , MacKenzie J. R. , Johnston K. D. , Anglin C.
Published: October 2018

Geometry of the patella (kneecap) remains poorly understood yet is highly relevant to performing the correct patellar cut to reduce pain and to improve function and satisfaction after knee replacement surgery. Although studies routinely refer to “parallel to the anterior surface” and “the patellar horizon,” a quantitative definition of these is lacking and significant variability exists between observers for this irregularly-shaped bone. A 2D-3D shape analysis technique was developed to determine the optimal device configuration for contacting the patellar surface. Axial and sagittal pseudo-X-rays were created from 18 computed tomography (CT) scans of cadaveric knees. Four expert surgeons reviewed three repetitions of the X-rays in randomized order, marking their desired cut plane and their estimate of the anterior surface. These 2D results were related back to the 3D model to create the desired plane. There was considerable variability in perceptions, with intra- and intersurgeon repeatability (standard deviations) ranging from 1.3° to 2.4°. The best configuration of contact points to achieve the desired cutting plane was three pegs centred on the patellar surface, two superior and one inferior, forming a 16 mm equilateral triangle. This configuration achieved predicted cut planes within 1° of the surgeon ranges on all 18 patellae. Implementing this, as was done in a subsequent prototype surgical device, should help improve the success and satisfaction of knee replacement surgery.
Quantitative Characterization of the Hemorrhagic, Necrotic, Coagulation-Altering Properties and Edema-Forming Effects of Zebra Snake (Naja nigricincta nigricincta) Venom
Authors: Kandiwa Erick , Mushonga Borden , Samkange Alaster , Fabiano Ezequiel
Published: October 2018

This study was designed to investigate the cytotoxicity and haemotoxicity of the Western barred (zebra) spitting cobra (Naja nigricincta nigricincta) venom to help explain atypical and inconsistent reports on syndromes by Namibian physicians treating victims of human ophidian accidents. Freeze-dried venom milked from adult zebra snakes was dissolved in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for use in this study. Haemorrhagic and necrotic activity of venom were studied in New Zealand albino rabbits. Oedema-forming activity was investigated in 10-day-old Cobb500 broiler chicks. Procoagulant and thrombolytic activity was investigated in adult Kalahari red goat blood in vitro. The rabbit skin minimum hemorrhagic dose (MHD) for N. n. nigricincta was 9.8μg. The minimum necrotizing dose (MND) for N. n. nigricincta venom was 12.2μg. The N. n. nigricincta venom showed linear dose-dependent procoagulant activity on goat blood (p<0.05). Likewise, N. n. nigricincta venom showed linear dose-dependent thrombolytic activity on goat blood (p<0.05, n = 6). Subplantar injection of N. n. nigricincta venom (25μg, 50μg, 75μg, and 100μg) into chick paw resulted in peak oedema of 35.5%, 38.5%, 42.9%, and 47.5%, respectively, two hours after injection. Paw oedema subsided within five hours to a mean volume ranging from 5% (25μg venom) to 17.6% (100μg venom). In conclusion, though N. n. nigricincta belongs to the genus Elapidae, the current study has shown its venom to possess potent hemorrhagic, necrotic (cytotoxic), and paradoxically, both procoagulant and thrombolytic activity. The authors propose further work to fractionate, isolate, and elucidate the structure of the various N. n. nigricincta venom toxins as a prelude to the development of an antivenom.
Adaptive Neural Tracking Control of Robotic Manipulators with Guaranteed NN Weight Convergence
Authors: Yang Jun , Na Jing , Gao Guanbin , Zhang Chao
Published: October 2018

Although adaptive control for robotic manipulators has been widely studied, most of them require the acceleration signals of the joints, which are usually difficult to measure directly. Although neural networks (NNs) have been used to approximate the unknown nonlinear dynamics in the robotic systems, the conventional adaptive laws for updating the NN weights cannot guarantee that the obtained NN weights converge to their ideal values, which could degrade the tracking control response. To address these two issues, a new adaptive algorithm with the extracted NN weights error is incorporated into adaptive control, where a novel leakage term is superimposed on the gradient method. By using the Lyapunov approach, the convergence of both the tracking error and the estimation error can be guaranteed simultaneously. In addition, two auxiliary functions are introduced to reformulate the robotic model for designing the adaptive law, and a filter operation is used to avoid measuring the acceleration signals. Comparisons to other well‐recognized adaptive laws are given, and extensive simulations based on a 2‐DOF SCARA robotic system are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Engineering Characteristics and Reinforcement Approaches of Organic Sandy Soil
Authors: Hu Jun , Jia Liang , Wang Wei , Wei Hong , Du Juan
Published: October 2018

Organic sandy soil is widely distributed throughout Hainan Island. This study aimed at addressing the distribution, composition, and formation of organic sandy soil. The engineering properties of organic sandy soil were examined. The experimental results showed that the coefficient of uniformity and coefficient of curvature were 2.07 and 1.25, respectively. The maximum dry density and optimum water content were 1.723 g/cm3 and 12.23%, respectively. The undrained shear strength of organic sandy soil was around 37.5 kPa. The effective stress parameters c and φ were around 4 kPa and 23°, respectively. The compound tangent‐exponential model was adopted for capturing the stress‐strain behavior of organic sandy soil. As the unconfined compressive strength of the cement‐admixed organic sandy soil was much lower than that of ordinary sand, some innovative ground improvement technologies were proposed for stabilizing organic sandy soil, such as thermal pile, fiber, and steel‐, bamboo‐, and freezing‐cemented soil columns. The main purpose of these technologies is to enhance the bearing capacity of organic sandy soil but reduce the usage of cement, as the latter is not an eco‐friendly material.
Influences on Shotcrete Rebound from Walls with Random Roughness
Authors: Liu Zhaoxia , Bian Wenhui , Pan Gang , Li Pengcheng , Li Wenxin
Published: October 2018

Concrete slurry can be sprayed on walls for reinforcement; however, there is a certain amount of rebound which is hazardous, lowers production quality, and wastes material. To investigate this problem, we studied single slurry droplets at the mesoscopic level. We deduced the factors influencing droplet spreading and wall adhesion to create models of shotcrete rebound. Then, a numerical simulation orthogonal experiment investigating droplet‐wall impacts was performed. The relationship between the spreading coefficient and each influencing factor is discussed, and numerical models are presented. Finally, the obtained models are verified by physical experiments. The results show that the spreading coefficient can be used to better characterize the effect of slurry droplet adhesion to walls. Modeled and experimentally observed droplet‐wall impacts showed good consistency. The influence of each factor on the spreading coefficient was determined in the following order of strength: droplet velocity and viscosity, wall roughness, and surface tension. The spreading coefficient increases with velocity, decreases with viscosity and roughness, and increases first and then decreases with surface tension. This study improves the fluid dynamics‐based theory of multiphase flow in concrete slurry and provides a theoretical basis for mitigating shotcrete rebound.
Using Deep Learning to Predict Sentiments: Case Study in Tourism
Authors: Martín C. A. , Torres J. M. , Aguilar R. M. , Diaz S.
Published: October 2018

Technology and the Internet have changed how travel is booked, the relationship between travelers and the tourism industry, and how tourists share their travel experiences. As a result of this multiplicity of options, mass tourism markets have been dispersing. But the global demand has not fallen; quite the contrary, it has increased. Another important factor, the digital transformation, is taking hold to reach new client profiles, especially the so‐called third generation of tourism consumers, digital natives who only understand the world through their online presence and who make the most of every one of its advantages. In this context, the digital platforms where users publish their impressions of tourism experiences are starting to carry more weight than the corporate content created by companies and brands. In this paper, we propose using different deep‐learning techniques and architectures to solve the problem of classifying the comments that tourists publish online and that new tourists use to decide how best to plan their trip. Specifically, in this paper, we propose a classifier to determine the sentiments reflected on the http://booking.com and http://tripadvisor.com platforms for the service received in hotels. We develop and compare various classifiers based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) and long short‐term memory networks (LSTM). These classifiers were trained and validated with data from hotels located on the island of Tenerife. An analysis of our findings shows that the most accurate and robust estimators are those based on LSTM recurrent neural networks.
A Novel Dynamic Multicriteria Decision‐Making Approach for Low‐Carbon Supplier Selection of Low‐Carbon Buildings Based on Interval‐Valued Triangular Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Cao Xia , Xing Zeyu , Sun Yuqi , Yin Shi
Published: October 2018

Due to the lack of natural resources and environmental problems which have been appearing increasingly, low‐carbon buildings are more and more involved in the construction industry. The selection of low‐carbon supplier is a significant part in the process of low‐carbon building construction projects. In this paper, we propose a novel dynamic multicriteria decision‐making approach for low‐carbon supplier selection in the process of low‐carbon building construction projects to deal with these problems. First, the paper establishes 5 main criteria and 17 subcriteria for low‐carbon supplier selection in the process of low‐carbon building construction projects. Then, a method considering interaction between criteria and the influence of constructors subjective preference and objective criteria information is proposed. It uses the basic concept and properties of the interval‐valued triangular fuzzy number intuitionistic fuzzy weighted Bonferroni means (IVTFNIFWBM) operators and the objective information entropy and TOPSIS‐based Euclidean distance to calculate the comprehensive evaluation results of potential low‐carbon suppliers. The proposed method is much easier for constructors to select low‐carbon supplier and make the localization of low‐carbon supplier more practical and accurate in the process of building construction projects. Finally, a case study about a low‐carbon building project is given to verify practicality and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Managing Severe Asthma: A Role for the Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist Tiotropium
Authors: Hamelmann Eckard
Published: October 2018

Severe asthma is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Therapies must be maximized to gain control of a patient’s severe asthma; however, avoiding overtreatment is also important. The mainstays of asthma maintenance treatment are inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting β2-agonsits (LABAs), with the option of supplementary add-on treatments. New add-on treatments for severe asthma have emerged over the past two decades, including personalized biological therapies that are guided by a patient’s asthma phenotype. In addition, the long-acting muscarinic antagonist tiotropium has been recommended as an add-on treatment for severe asthma. Phase III clinical trials have shown tiotropium in combination with ICS/LABA to be efficacious in patients with severe asthma. Further analyses of clinical trial data have indicated that there is no benefit in stratifying patients by phenotype to predict tiotropium efficacy. Furthermore, health economic studies suggest tiotropium to be a cost-effective treatment in patients with severe asthma. This review will present the evidence surrounding the role of tiotropium in severe asthma and will discuss the use of tiotropium add-on therapy before personalized medicine strategies in the stepwise process of gaining asthma control.
Oral Health Impact Profile in Celiac Patients: Analysis of Recent Findings in a Literature Review
Authors: Cervino Gabriele , Fiorillo Luca , Laino Luigi , Herford Alan Scott , Lauritano Floriana , Giudice Giuseppe Lo , Famà Fausto , Santoro Rossella , Troiano Giuseppe , Iannello Gaetano , Cicciù Marco
Published: October 2018

The increment of recording atypical oral manifestation in young patients often related to systematic disease is today a challenge for the therapists. Sometime, the presence of tooth enamel lesions correlated with soft tissue lesions is just a symptom or a trigger sign for a deeper and undetermined disease. Recently, high impact has been developed toward the influence of the diet as a controlled and modifiable factor in patients affected by celiac pathologies. The celiac disease (CD) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten that appears in genetically predisposed patients. Gluten is a proline-rich and glutamine-rich protein present in wheat (gliadin), barley (hordein), and rye (secalin). The gluten-free diet (GFD) seems to better influence the oral health status of the CD patients. For this reason, the main objective of this revision was to analyze the international data highlighting the relationship between celiac patients and the oral health impact profile. A comprehensive review of the current literature was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines by accessing the NCBI PubMed database. Authors conducted the search of articles in the English language published from 2008 to 2018. The first analysis with filters recorded 67 manuscripts accordingly with the selected keywords. Finally, a number of 16 appropriate published papers were comprehended in the review. The studies were different in terms of the structure, findings, outcomes, and diet quality evaluation, and for this reason, it was not possible to accomplish a meta-analysis of the recorded data. This manuscript offers some observational evidence to justify the advantages of gluten-free diets related to a better oral health status in the patients involved.
Sensor Fault Diagnosis Based on Fuzzy Neural Petri Net
Authors: Li Jiming , Zhu Xiaolin , Cheng Xuezhen
Published: October 2018

This study aims to improve the operating stability of the resistance strain weighing sensor and eliminate fuzzy factors in fault diagnosis. Based on fuzzy techniques for fault diagnosis, the proposed fuzzy Petri net model uses the fault logical relationship between a sensor and an improved Petri net model. A formula for confidence‐based reasoning is proposed using an algorithm, which combines neural network regulation algorithm with a transition‐enabled ignition judgment matrix. This formula can yield an accurate assessment of the operating state of the sensor. Backward inference and the minimum cut set theory are also combined to obtain the priority of faults, which helps avoid blind and ambiguous maintenance. The sensor model was analyzed, and its accuracy and validity were verified through statistical analysis and comparison with other methods of fault diagnosis.
The Encountered Problems and Solutions in the Development of Coal Mine Rescue Robot
Authors: Wang Yong , Tian Peng , Zhou Yu , Chen Qing
Published: October 2018

Based on the various problems in the process of coal robot applications, from three-dimensional analysis of the key technology, market demand, and policy regulations and standardization, the paper reviews the use of carbon fiber material, elastic material of traditional surface spraying and integral casting technology to realize lightweight robot, by using the dual redundant design to improve the reliability of the rescue robot CPU, through the functions of voice recognition obstacle sensor, gas sensor acquisition components, and distribution information to realize the underground rescue mission. In addition, virtual test technology, hardware in the loop simulation technology, and shrinkage model technology are proposed to solve the difficulties of hard field testing of rescue robots. These suggest that concrete measures have been pointed out to break the problem of the development of the coal mine relief robot.
Weapon‐Target Assignment Problem by Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithm Based on Decomposition
Authors: Li Xiaoyang , Zhou Deyun , Pan Qian , Tang Yongchuan , Huang Jichuan
Published: October 2018

The weapon‐target assignment (WTA) problem is a key issue in Command & Control (C2). Asset‐based multiobjective static WTA (MOSWTA) problem is known as one of the notable issues of WTA. Since this is an NP‐complete problem, multiobjective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) can be used to solve it effectively. The multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (MOEA/D) is a practical and promising multiobjective optimization technique. However, MOEA/D is originally designed for continuous multiobjective optimization which loses its efficiency to discrete contexts. In this study, an improved MOEA/D is proposed to solve the asset‐based MOSWTA problem. The defining characteristics of this problem are summarized and analyzed. According to these characteristics, an improved MOEA/D framework is introduced. A novel decomposition mechanism is designed. The mating restriction and selection operation are reformulated. Furthermore, a problem‐specific population initialization method is presented to improve the efficiency of the proposed algorithm, and a novel nondominated solution‐selection method is put forward to handle the constraints of Pareto front. Appropriate extensions of four MOEA variants are developed in comparison with the proposed algorithm on some generated scenarios. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed method is effective and promising.
Experimental Study on the Permeability of Weakly Cemented Rock under Different Stress States in Triaxial Compression Tests
Authors: Fan Gangwei , Chen Mingwei , Zhang Dongsheng , Wang Zhen , Zhang Shizhong , Zhang Chengguo , Li Qizhen , Cao Bobo
Published: October 2018

Mudstone and shaly coarse sandstone samples of Jurassic units in northwestern China were collected to study the seepage mechanism of weakly cemented rock affected by underground mining operations. Samples were studied using seepage experiments under triaxial compression considering two processes: complete stress-strain and postpeak loading and unloading. The results show that permeability variations closely correspond to deviatoric stress-axial strain during the process of complete stress-strain. The initial permeability is 7 times its minimum, contrasting with lesser differentials of initial, peak, and residual permeability. The magnitude of permeability ranges from 10−17 to 10−19 m2, representing a stable water-resisting property, and is 1 to 2 orders lower in mudstone than that in shaly coarse sandstone, indicating that the water-resisting property of the mudstone is much better than that of the shaly coarse sandstone. Permeability is negatively correlated with the confining pressure. In response to this pressure, the permeability change in mudstone is faster than that in shaly coarse sandstone during the process of postpeak loading and unloading. Weakly cemented rock has lower permeability according to the comparison with congeneric ordinary rocks. This distinction is more remarkable in terms of the initial permeability. Analyses based on scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations and mineral composition indicate that the samples are rich in clay minerals such as montmorillonite and kaolin, whose inherent properties of hydroexpansiveness and hydrosliming can be considered the dominant factors contributing to the seepage properties of weakly cemented rock with low permeability.