bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Composition and Concentration of Bioactive Compounds in Garlic Cultivated from Air Bulbils
Authors: Kopeć Aneta , Skoczylas Joanna , Jędrszczyk Elżbieta , Francik Renata , Bystrowska Beata , Zawistowski Jerzy
Published: February 2020

This study was designed to determine the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and selected bioactive compound content and occurrence in whole immature and mature garlic plants grown from air bulbils. Two winter garlic cultivars, Harnaś and Ornak, of Polish origin, were cultivated from air bulbils at the Experimental Station of the Agricultural University in Kraków, Poland. Harvest bunching of garlic of both cultivars was carried out in May and in June. Mature plants were harvested in July. In whole plant proximate analysis, the concentration of vitamin C, total polyphenols, antioxidant activity, carotenoids, chlorophyll a and b, as well as glutathione level were determined. P-coumaric acid was found in Harnaś and Ornak samples collected in May. Sinapinic acid was identified in Ornak samples collected in June and July. Identification of sulphur compounds depended on the term of harvesting. Significantly higher content of total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, as well as other bioactive compounds, was measured in the Harnaś and Ornak cultivars harvested in May. A significantly lower level of bioactive compounds was determined in mature plants harvested in July. The organosulfur compound profile and polyphenolic profile depended on the time of harvesting. Immature garlic cultivated from air bulbils is recognized as a potential source of bioactive compounds in human nutrition, however, more research, in particular in vivo studies, is required to confirm its functional properties.
Variation Analysis of Root System Development in Wheat Seedlings Using Root Phenotyping System
Authors: Adeleke Ekundayo , Millas Reneth , McNeal Waymon , Faris Justin , Taheri Ali
Published: February 2020

Root system architecture is a vital part of the plant that has been shown to vary between species and within species based on response to genotypic and/or environmental influences. The root traits of wheat seedlings are critical for their establishment in soil and evidently linked to plant height and seed yield. However, plant breeders have not efficiently developed the role of RSA in wheat selection due to the difficulty of studying root traits. We set up a root phenotyping platform to characterize RSA in 34 wheat accessions. The phenotyping pipeline consists of the germination paper-based moisture replacement system, image capture units, and root-image processing software. The 34 accessions from two different wheat ploidy levels (hexaploids and tetraploids), were characterized in ten replicates. A total of 19 root traits were quantified from the root architecture generated. This pipeline allowed for rapid screening of 340 wheat seedlings within 10 days. At least one line from each ploidy (6× and 4×) showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in measured traits, except for mean seminal count. Our result also showed a strong correlation (0.8) between total root length, maximum depth and convex hull area. This phenotyping pipeline has the advantage and capacity to increase screening potential at early stages of plant development, leading to the characterization of wheat seedling traits that can be further examined using QTL analysis in populations generated from the examined accessions.
Influence of Fruit Ripening on the Total and Individual Capsaicinoids and Capsiate Content in Naga Jolokia Peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)
Authors: Vázquez-Espinosa Mercedes , Olguín-Rojas José Arturo , Fayos Oreto , V. González-de-Peredo Ana , Espada-Bellido Estrella , Ferreiro-González Marta , G. Barroso Carmelo , F. Barbero Gerardo , Garcés-Claver Ana , Palma Miguel
Published: February 2020

“Naga Jolokia” (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) is a hot pepper variety native to India which has received the attention of the global scientific community due to its high capsaicinoid concentration. The present study evaluated the influence of fruit ripening on the total and individual capsaicinoids, as well as capsiate content. The aim was to determine the optimal moment to harvest the peppers depending on their pungent properties. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using methanol as the extraction solvent and reverse-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC-photodiode array (PDA)) were employed. Capsaicinoids gradually accumulated in the peppers from the moment they started growing until they reached a maximum concentration (7.99 ± 0.11 mg g−1 of fresh weight (FW)) at 33 days postanthesis (dpa). For this reason, based on its content of pungent compounds, as it is one of the main attributes of this variety, the optimal time for collection would be on day 33. From then on, there was a sharp decrease (96.35% of the total concentration) due to the peroxidase enzymes. The evolution of the principal capsaicinoids in “Naga Jolokia” peppers had a different behavior with respect to literature reports. After this investigation, these changes in content can be attributed to each pepper genotype. Capsiate content reached it maximum value at 19 dpa (0.27 ± 0.01 mg g−1 of FW). Then, there was a gradual drop due to the activities of different peroxidases. Given the important biological activity of capsaicinoids and capsinoids, the information described here allows for determining the ideal time to harvest “Naga Jolokia” peppers.
Behavioural Variability in Chicks vs. the Pattern of Behaviour in Adult Hens
Authors: Rozempolska-Rucińska Iwona , Kasperek Kornel , Drabik Kamil , Zięba Grzegorz , Ziemiańska Agnieszka
Published: February 2020

The aim of the study was to assess the behaviour of chicks of three different breeds of laying hens differing in the activity, emotional reactivity, and environmental preferences. Another objective was to answer the question whether the behavioural differences between adult birds would be evident already in the chick period or whether they are an effect of the further modifying impact of the environment. 60 green-legged partridge, 60 Polbar, and 60 Leghorn chicks were used in the experiments. The chicks hatched in a flock where hens were previously assessed with behavioural tests and the corticosterone levels in their feathers was determined, indicating significant differences in the temperament and stress level between the breeds. Five tests were carried out: two on competitiveness, activity, interest and fearfulness/curiosity. The experiments revealed considerable differences between the chicks. The Zk birds coped better with situations requiring swiftness and initiative. The Pb chicks were slower than Zk and Lg and did not make quick decisions. Hence, a lower number of these birds entering and leaving the test cage and staying inside was recorded. The Zk chicks exhibited a higher level of fearfulness than the other breeds. In terms of the environment enrichment elements, sand and woodchips were more attractive to the Zk chicks, whereas the Lg and Pb birds preferred pecking the string. No differences in the time of undertaking the analysed activities were found between the breeds.
Clinical Experience with Ceftazidime-Avibactam for the Treatment of Infections due to Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria Other than Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales
Authors: Vena Antonio , Giacobbe Daniele , Castaldo Nadia , Cattelan Annamaria , Mussini Cristina , Luzzati Roberto , De Rosa Francesco , Puente Filippo , Mastroianni Claudio , Cascio Antonio , Carbonara Sergio , Capone Alessandro , Boni Silvia , Sepulcri Chiara , Meschiari Marianna , Raumer Francesca , Oliva Alessandra , Corcione Silvia , Bassetti Matteo ,   for the Ceftabuse Study Group
Published: February 2020

Background: Experience in real clinical practice with ceftazidime-avibactam for the treatment of serious infections due to gram−negative bacteria (GNB) other than carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) is very limited. Methods: We carried out a retrospective multicenter study of patients hospitalized in 13 Italian hospitals who received ≥72 h of ceftazidime-avibactam for GNB other than CRE to assess the rates of clinical success, resistance development, and occurrence of adverse events. Results: Ceftazidime-avibactam was used to treat 41 patients with GNB infections other than CRE. Median age was 62 years and 68% of them were male. The main causative agents were P. aeruginosa (33/41; 80.5%) and extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales (4/41, 9.8%). Four patients had polymicrobial infections. All strains were susceptible to ceftazidime-avibactam. The most common primary infection was nosocomial pneumonia (n = 20; 48.8%), primary bacteremia (n = 7; 17.1%), intra-abdominal infection (n = 4; 9.8%), and bone infection (n = 4; 9.8%). Ceftazidime-avibactam was mainly administered as a combination treatment (n = 33; 80.5%) and the median length of therapy was 13 days. Clinical success at the end of the follow-up period was 90.5%, and the only risk factor for treatment failure at multivariate analysis was receiving continuous renal replacement therapy during ceftazidime-avibactam. There was no association between clinical failures and type of primary infection, microbiological isolates, and monotherapy with ceftazidime-avibactam. Only one patient experienced recurrent infection 5 days after the end of treatment. Development of resistance to ceftazidime-avibactam was not detected in any case during the whole follow-up period. No adverse events related to ceftazidime-avibactam were observed in the study population. Conclusions: Ceftazidime-avibactam may be a valuable therapeutic option for serious infections due to GNB other than CRE.
Tele-Treatment Application Design for Disable Patients with Wireless Sensors
Authors: Arteta Albert Alberto , de Mingo López Luis Fernando , Gómez Blas Nuria
Published: February 2020

This paper consists of the development of a system to help patients with different disabilities, affected by rare or chronic diseases or any kind of dependence through tele assistance, virtual interaction and intelligent monitoring. The main goal is to increase the quality of life of the minorities who cannot take full advantage of the healthcare system by providing an alternative way of monitoring them with the technology embedded in this paper. The result of the paper is not intended to be a single solution, but a modular system that allows the construction of an application that is able to measure the needs of a health administration and the patients. The paper also pursues an educational training to the facultative trainees in a new way to approach patient treatments. It can improve the quality of life of the patients by saving them time and other resources in moving to the Health center and the professionals can also save time as they can take advantage of the online treatments by using the proposed system.
The Italian Validation of the Level of Exposure-Dental Experiences Questionnaire
Authors: Scandurra Cristiano , Gasparro Roberta , Dolce Pasquale , Bochicchio Vincenzo , Muzii Benedetta , Spagnuolo Gianrico , Marenzi Gaetano , Sammartino Gilberto , Maldonato Nelson Mauro
Published: February 2020

The aim of this monocentric cross-sectional study was to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the Italian version of the Level of Exposure-Dental Experiences Questionnaire (LOE-DEQ) in an Italian sample of 253 dental patients ranging from 18–80 years of age. The LOE-DEQ assesses 16 potential dental distressing experiences and 7 general traumatic life events through 4 subscales: (1) dentists’ behaviour and patients’ emotions (DBPE); (2) distressing dental procedures (DDP); (3) other distressing dental events (ODDE); and (4) general traumatic events (GTE). Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the original 4-factor model had adequate fit to the data obtained from the Italian sample. Criterion validity was partially confirmed as only DBPE and DDP positively correlated with dental anxiety. Similarly, convergent validity was also partially confirmed as DBPE, DDP, and ODDE correlated with negative beliefs towards the dentist and the dental treatment. Discriminant validity was fully confirmed, as all correlations were below 0.60. Finally, DDP was the factor most associated with high dental anxiety. This study offers evidence of the reliability and validity of the LOE-DEQ in the Italian context, providing Italian researchers and dentists with a tool to assess dental and general distressing experiences in dental patients.
A Systematic Literature Review of Various Control Techniques for Active Seat Suspension Systems
Authors: Al-Ashmori Mohammed , Wang Xu
Published: February 2020

Drivers of heavy trucks are exposed to large amounts of vibration which can lead to serious health risks. Many suspension systems/methods can be used to isolate these transmitted vibrations, such as vehicle suspension systems, cabin suspension systems and seating suspension systems. The central idea of the work is to identify the research gaps and raise our future research questions in this specific area. The novelty of this paper is proposing a model predictive controller for active vibration control of seating suspension systems. A systematic literature review of the existing work of the vibration control of seating suspension systems has been conducted. Various control techniques that are used in the seating suspension systems have been summarized and evaluated. This paper focusses on the biodynamic model of the driver and seat for the first step needed in the design of the seating suspension system. Then, it illustrates the different types of the system vibration controls and their performance evaluation methods. At the end, the paper details several active seating suspension systems including their actuation system structures and control algorithms which are used in the heavy vehicle trucks.
Natural Brain-Inspired Intelligence for Non-Gaussian and Nonlinear Environments with Finite Memory
Authors: Naghshvarianjahromi Mahdi , Kumar Shiva , Deen M. Jamal
Published: February 2020

The cyber processing layer of smart systems based on a cognitive dynamic system (CDS) can be a good solution for better decision making and situation understanding in non-Gaussian and nonlinear environments (NGNLE). The NGNLE situation understanding means deciding between certain known situations in NGNLE to understand the current state condition. Here, we report on a cognitive decision-making (CDM) system inspired by the human brain decision-making. The simple low-complexity algorithmic design of the proposed CDM system can make it suitable for real-time applications. A case study of the implementation of the CDS on a long-haul fiber-optic orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) link was performed. An improvement in Q-factor of ~7 dB and an enhancement in data rate efficiency ~43% were achieved using the proposed algorithms. Furthermore, an extra 20% data rate enhancement was obtained by guaranteeing to keep the CDM error automatically under the system threshold. The proposed system can be extended as a general software-based platform for brain-inspired decision making in smart systems in the presence of nonlinearity and non-Gaussian characteristics. Therefore, it can easily upgrade the conventional systems to a smart one for autonomic CDM applications.
Real-Time, Content-Based Communication Load Reduction in the Internet of Multimedia Things
Authors: Tanseer Iffrah , Kanwal Nadia , Asghar Mamoona Naveed , Iqbal Ayesha , Tanseer Faryal , Fleury Martin
Published: February 2020

There is an increasing number of devices available for the Internet of Multimedia Things (IoMT). The demands these ever-more complex devices make are also increasing in terms of energy efficiency, reliability, quality-of-service guarantees, higher data transfer rates, and general security. The IoMT itself faces challenges when processing and storing massive amounts of data, transmitting it over low bandwidths, bringing constrained resources to bear and keeping power consumption under check. This paper’s research focuses on an efficient video compression technique to reduce that communication load, potentially generated by diverse camera sensors, and also improve bit-rates, while ensuring accuracy of representation and completeness of video data. The proposed method applies a video content-based solution, which, depending on the motion present between consecutive frames, decides on whether to send only motion information or no frame information at all. The method is efficient in terms of limiting the data transmitted, potentially conserving device energy, and reducing latencies by means of negotiable processing overheads. Data are also encrypted in the interests of confidentiality. Video quality measurements, along with a good number of Quality-of-Service measurements demonstrated the value of the load reduction, as is also apparent from a comparison with other related methods.
Investigation of Hydraulic Fracturing Crack Propagation Behavior in Multi-Layered Coal Seams
Authors: Cao Shirong , Li Xiyuan , Zhou Zhe , Wang Yingwei , Ding Hong
Published: February 2020

Coalbed methane is not only a clean energy source, but also a major problem affecting the efficient production of coal mines. Hydraulic fracturing is an effective technology for enhancing the coal seam permeability to achieve the efficient extraction of methane. This study investigated the effect of a coal seam reservoir’s geological factors on the initiation pressure and fracture propagation. Through theoretical analysis, a multi-layered coal seam initiation pressure calculation model was established based on the broken failure criterion of maximum tensile stress theory. Laboratory experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of the coal seam stress and coal seam dip angle on the crack initiation pressure and fracture propagation. The results reveal that the multi-layered coal seam hydraulic fracturing initiation pressure did not change with the coal seam inclination when the burial depth was the same. When the dip angle was the same, the initiation pressure linearly increased with the reservoir depth. A three-dimensional model was established to simulate the actual hydraulic fracturing crack propagation in multi-layered coal seams. The results reveal that the hydraulic crack propagated along the direction of the maximum principal stress and opened in the direction of the minimum principal stress. As the burial depth of the reservoir increased, the width of the hydraulic crack also increased. This study can provide the theoretical foundation for the effective implementation of hydraulic fracturing in multi-layered coal seams.
Cross-Domain Data Augmentation for Deep-Learning-Based Male Pelvic Organ Segmentation in Cone Beam CT
Authors: Léger Jean , Brion Eliott , Desbordes Paul , De Vleeschouwer Christophe , Lee John A. , Macq Benoit
Published: February 2020

For prostate cancer patients, large organ deformations occurring between radiotherapy treatment sessions create uncertainty about the doses delivered to the tumor and surrounding healthy organs. Segmenting those regions on cone beam CT (CBCT) scans acquired on treatment day would reduce such uncertainties. In this work, a 3D U-net deep-learning architecture was trained to segment bladder, rectum, and prostate on CBCT scans. Due to the scarcity of contoured CBCT scans, the training set was augmented with CT scans already contoured in the current clinical workflow. Our network was then tested on 63 CBCT scans. The Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) increased significantly with the number of CBCT and CT scans in the training set, reaching 0.874 ± 0.096 , 0.814 ± 0.055 , and 0.758 ± 0.101 for bladder, rectum, and prostate, respectively. This was about 10% better than conventional approaches based on deformable image registration between planning CT and treatment CBCT scans, except for prostate. Interestingly, adding 74 CT scans to the CBCT training set allowed maintaining high DSCs, while halving the number of CBCT scans. Hence, our work showed that although CBCT scans included artifacts, cross-domain augmentation of the training set was effective and could rely on large datasets available for planning CT scans.
Investigation and Enhancement of the Detectability of Flaws with a Coarse Measuring Grid and Air Coupled Ultrasound for NDT of Panel Materials Using the Re-Radiation Method
Authors: Schmelt Andreas Sebastian , Marhenke Torben , Hasener Jörg , Twiefel Jens
Published: February 2020

Non-destructive ultrasonic testing is utilized widely by industries for quality assurance. For sensitive materials or surfaces, non-contact, non-destructive testing methods are in demand. The air-coupled ultrasound (ACU) is one possible solution. This can be used to investigate large, panel-like objects for delaminations and other flaws. For a high detectability, fine measurement grids are required (typically < λ is used), which results in extremely long data acquisition times that are only practicable for laboratory applications. This paper aimed at reducing the required measurement grid points for obtaining high detectability evaluations. The novel method presented in this paper allows a measurement grid that is much coarser than the resulting grid. The method combines a software refinement of the measured data with the Rayleigh–Sommerfeld diffraction integral for the calculation of the pressure distribution on the object’s surface. This result allows the precise prediction of delaminations and flaws in the tested object. The presented method shows a decrease in the total investigation time by up to 98%.
A Noniterative Simultaneous Rigid Registration Method for Serial Sections of Biological Tissues
Authors: Shu Chang , Li Lin-Lin , Li Guoqing , Chen Xi , Han Hua
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we propose a novel noniterative algorithm to simultaneously estimate optimal rigid transformations for serial section images, which is a key component in performing volume reconstructions of serial sections of biological tissue. To avoid the error accumulation and propagation caused by current algorithms, we add an extra condition: that the positions of the first and last section images should remain unchanged. This constrained simultaneous registration problem has not previously been solved. Our solution is noniterative; thus, it can simultaneously compute rigid transformations for a large number of serial section images in a short time. We demonstrate that our algorithm obtains optimal solutions under ideal conditions and shows great robustness under nonideal circumstances. Further, we experimentally show that our algorithm outperforms state-of-the-art methods in terms of speed and accuracy.
Analysis of Urban Flood Inundation Patterns According to Rainfall Intensity Using a Rainfall Simulator in the Sadang Area of South Korea
Authors: Seong Hoje , Rhee Dong Sop , Park Inhwan
Published: February 2020

An urban flood in the Sadang area located in South Korea was reproduced using a rainfall simulator. The rainfall simulator was developed to be able to demonstrate the rainfall intensity in range of 80–200 mm/h, and the artificial rainfall was created using 42 full cone type nozzles in the urban model. The uniformity coefficient of the rainfall distribution was 89.5%, which indicates the rainfall simulator achieved the high requirements for spatial uniformity. The flood experiments in the 1/200 scale model of the Sadang area were conducted using the rainfall simulator, and the flood patterns were investigated by changing the rainfall intensity. The rainwater mainly accumulated in the lowland of the crossroad where the entrances to the subway station are located. The flow velocity and the inundation depth were sharply increased until the rainfall intensity became 160 mm/h. Furthermore, the unstable human activities based on the moment and the friction instabilities also occurred from 160 mm/h. These results suggest that the study area requires flood damage mitigation facilities considering a rainfall intensity exceeding 160 mm/h.
Assessing the Flexural Properties of Epoxy Composites with Extremely Low Addition of Cellulose Nanofiber Content
Authors: Xie Yingmei , Kurita Hiroki , Ishigami Ryugo , Narita Fumio
Published: February 2020

Epoxy resins are a widely used common polymer due to their excellent mechanical properties. On the other hand, cellulose nanofiber (CNF) is one of the new generation of fibers, and recent test results show that CNF reinforced polymers have high mechanical properties. It has also been reported that an extremely low CNF addition increases the mechanical properties of the matrix resin. In this study, we prepared extremely-low CNF (~1 wt.%) reinforced epoxy resin matrix (epoxy-CNF) composites, and tried to understand the strengthening mechanism of the epoxy-CNF composite through the three-point flexural test, finite element analysis (FEA), and discussion based on organic chemistry. The flexural modulus and strength were significantly increased by the extremely low CNF addition (less than 0.2 wt.%), although the theories for short-fiber-reinforced composites cannot explain the strengthening mechanism of the epoxy-CNF composite. Hence, we propose the possibility that CNF behaves as an auxiliary agent to enhance the structure of the epoxy molecule, and not as a reinforcing fiber in the epoxy resin matrix.
Simulation of a Lower Extremity Assistive Device for Resistance Training in a Microgravity Environment
Authors: Han Jong In , Choi Ho Seon , Baek Yoon Su
Published: February 2020

Lower extremity assistive devices (LEADs) have been developed in various fields, such as rehabilitation, military, and industry, in the form of exoskeleton robots or treadmills, and most of them are aimed at supporting muscle strength. However, unlike the aforementioned fields, the objective of LEADs developed in the space field is to provide resistance training to prevent muscle atrophy, which is a problem that arises in astronauts during long-duration space flights. Because the purpose of a LEAD is different from those of systems that are intended for use under Earth gravity (1 g) condition, other factors should be considered for the system design. In this study, the appropriate locations and types of actuators for reproducing the kinematics and muscle-related state variables observed in 1 g normal walking in a microgravity environment were proposed, and the corresponding control inputs obtained using a dynamic optimization simulation method. In detail, two actuation types were proposed, considering the characteristics of a microgravity environment in which both the magnitude of the gravitational acceleration and the ground reaction force were decreased. Moreover, by using the proposed actuating system, the control inputs required to track kinematics data and muscle activity were obtained. A human lower-limb model, with six degrees of freedom, i.e., an 18-muscle model with the pelvis fixed, was used with ideal actuators to apply torques or forces to joints or soles. Dynamic optimization was performed to solve these problems using direct collocation with OpenSim and MATLAB. Using the two proposed types of actuation, the results agreed with the kinematics and muscle activity of 1 g normal walking, and the total joint torques by the muscles also exhibited similar curves to that of the net joint torques under 1 g normal walking. The results of this study suggested an actuation method and its control input that can be used in the design of a LEAD for resistance training in microgravity.
Adaptive TCP Transmission Adjustment for UAV Network Infrastructure
Authors: Lee Joon Yeop , Lee Woonghee , Kim Hyunsoon , Kim Hwangnam
Published: February 2020

A UAV network composed of multiple UAVs allows a wide operating radius and various tasks to be performed. However, a UAV network mostly suffers from high probability of transmission failure due to interference or mobility. Also, nodes connected to the network often experience connection loss and segment loss caused by frequent node mobility and routing update. Since congestion is not the only cause of data loss in UAV networks, the TCP congestion control should not be run if there is a possibility of transient link instability unless a reduction in transmission speed is required. For this reason, we propose an algorithm to improve the transmission performance of UAV network through TCP with Slow-Start threshold (Ssthresh) value adjusted. The adjustment algorithm is called Adaptive Ssthresh Reviser for flying Ad hoc Network (ASRAN) that quickly restores unnecessary decrease of transmission speed in UAV network.
Selected Aspects Regarding the Restoration/Conservation of Traditional Wood and Masonry Building Materials: A Short Overview of the Last Decade Findings
Authors: Fierascu Radu Claudiu , Doni Mihaela , Fierascu Irina
Published: February 2020

Vernacular buildings are usually constructed using materials at hand, including wood, natural stone and bricks (either clay or mud bricks). All those materials are exposed to a series of environmental factors, affecting their structure and integrity. The literature review was conducted using different databases (Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink) using as keywords the historical material, “heritage” and the terms regarding the desired effect, within the envisaged time period (2010–2019). The assessment of the results was performed by manual inspection (reading the entire article) and the selection of the works to be inserted in the current review was made by evaluating the contribution to the field. This review summarizes different aspects related to the restoration and conservation of wooden and masonry elements of traditional buildings, including materials used for biocidal interventions, protection against abiotic factors, cleaning and consolidation agents. Finally, a critical discussion regarding the current limitations and future perspectives concludes the review work, envisaging the role of researchers specialized in materials science in the context of cultural heritage conservation.
Design of a Multi-Band Microstrip Textile Patch Antenna for LTE and 5G Services with the CRO-SL Ensemble
Authors: Camacho-Gomez Carlos , Sanchez-Montero Rocio , Martínez-Villanueva Diego , López-Espí Pablo-Luís , Salcedo-Sanz Sancho
Published: February 2020

A textile multi-band antenna for LTE and 5G communication services, composed by a rectangular microstrip patch, two concentric annular slots and a U-Shaped slot, is considered in this paper. In the ground plane, three sleeved meanders have been introduced to modify the surface current distribution, leading to a bandwidth improvement. The U-Shaped slot, the dual circular slots, and the meanders shape have been optimized by means of the Coral Reefs Optimization with Substrate Layer algorithm (CRO-SL). This population-based meta-heuristic approach is a kind of ensemble algorithm for optimization (multi-method), in which different search operators are considered within the algorithm. We show that the CRO-SL is able to obtain a robust multi-band textile antenna, including LTE and 5G frequency bands. For the optimization process, the CRO-SL is guided by means of a fitness function obtained after the antenna simulation by a specific simulation software for electromagnetic analysis in the high frequency range.
Analytical Model of Wellbore Stability of Fractured Coal Seam Considering the Effect of Cleat Filler and Analysis of Influencing Factors
Authors: Zhao Xinbo , Wang Jianjun , Mei Yue
Published: February 2020

Currently, coal borehole collapses frequently occur during drilling. Considering that the coal near to the wellbore is cut into blocks, and the cleat filler of the coal influences the stress distribution near the wellbore, a new theoretical solution of a near-wellbore Stress Field in coal bed wells is established. In addition, according to the limit equilibrium theory and the E.MG-C criterion, the limit sliding formula of the quadrilateral and triangular block is deduced, and the slipping direction of the blocks is further judged. Finally, the wellbore stability model of the coal seam is established. The accuracy of the theoretical model is verified through a numerical method by using the PFC software. Based upon this wellbore stability theoretical model of coal, many cleat affecting factors such as cleat spacing, cleat length, cleat angle and the cleat geometric position, are studied, and the results show that a quadrilateral block slides off more easily than a triangular block under the same boundary condition; the bigger the cleat spacing and cleat length are, the lower is the risk that blocks slide off, and increasing the cleat angle could cause blocks to slide off easily. Under the same boundary condition, whether blocks slide off or not is closely related to the well round angle.
New Ecological Solutions Involved in the Cleaning of a 19th Century Icon
Authors: Iurcovschi Tudor Cosmin , Vasilache Viorica , Sandu Ion , Zaharia Marius , Pintilie Olga , Sandu Andrei Victor
Published: February 2020

Cleaning of old icons requires special attention to selecting the processes and systems compatible with the chemical nature and adhesions of the deposits, to not affect the polychrome layer or their conservation status. The study was carried out on a 19th century icon made in fat tempera, on a thin layer of preparation that presents fouling. The cleaning was done using extracts obtained from sage, St. John’s Wort, and, respectively, licorice root teas obtained through different extraction processes: microwave, ultrasound, boiling, and room temperature, respectively. The washing capacity of the new system used was analyzed by analytical methods of assessing the cleaning degree: UV-Vis reflection, reflective colorimetry type CIE L*a*b*, co-assisted with optical microscopy and scanning electrone microscopy (SEM-EDX).
Source Identification of Trace Elements in PM2.5 at a Rural Site in the North China Plain
Authors: Liu Lei , Liu Yusi , Wen Wei , Liang Linlin , Ma Xin , Jiao Jiao , Guo Kun
Published: February 2020

An intensive sampling of PM2.5 was conducted at a rural site (Gucheng) in the North China Plain from 22 October to 23 November 2016. A total of 25 elements (Al, Na, Cl, Mg, P, S, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Sr, Cd, Ba, Pb, and Sb) from PM2.5 filter samples collected daily were measured using a wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Cl, S, and K were the most abundant elements, with average concentrations of 2077.66 ng m−3 (range 118.88–4638.96 ng m−3), 1748.78 ng m−3 (range 276.67–4335.59 ng m−3), and 1287.07 ng m−3 (range 254.90–2748.63 ng m−3), respectively. Among noncrustal trace metal elements, the concentration of Zn was the highest, with an average of 397.74 ng m−3 (range 36.45–1602.96 ng m−3), followed by Sb and Pb, on average, of 299.20 ng m−3 and 184.52 ng m−3, respectively. The morphologies of PM2.5 samples were observed using scanning electron microscopy. The shape of the particles was predominantly spherical, chain-like, and irregular. Positive matrix factorization analysis revealed that soil dust, following by industry, secondary formation, vehicle emissions, biomass and waste burning, and coal combustion, were the main sources of PM2.5. The results of cluster, potential source contribution function, and concentration weighted trajectory analyses suggested that local emissions from Hebei Province, as well as regional transport from Beijing, Tianjin, Shandong, and Shanxi Province, and long-range transport from Inner Mongolia, were the main contributors to PM2.5 pollution.
Assessment of Open-path Spectrometer Accuracy at Low Path-integrated Methane Concentrations
Authors: DeBruyn Zachary J. , Wagner-Riddle Claudia , VanderZaag Andrew
Published: February 2020

The accurate measurement of greenhouse gas emissions is a challenge for atmospheric science. Long-range open-path sensors are flexible enough to be applied to a variety of complex emission sources, and single devices are often used to measure both high and low path-integrated concentrations. As this technology develops, it is important to examine potential sources of inaccuracy. A GasFinder3 open-path laser was tested with a range of path-integrated concentrations from 11.7 to 182 ppm∙m CH4 using certified standard gases. The measured path-integrated concentrations had a positive bias which was higher than 10% at low path-integrated concentrations (<50 ppm∙m) with a declining trend expected to be under 2% at 200 ppm∙m. A linear equation was used to correct the measured path-integrated concentrations to fit the expected values. After correction, the average bias was reduced to −0.36% and there was no relationship with path-integrated concentration. A relative bias less than ±3% was achieved above ca. 150 ppm∙m with or without calibration. Measurement campaigns may reduce error by increasing path lengths to maximize path-integrated concentration. When low path-integrated concentrations are expected, calibration over the expected range is beneficial.
Optimal Saving by Expected Utility Operators
Authors: Georgescu Irina , Kinnunen Jani
Published: February 2020

This paper studies an optimal saving model in which risk is represented by a fuzzy number and the total utility function of the model is defined by an expected utility operator. This model generalizes some existing possibilistic saving models and from them, by a particularization, one can obtain new saving models. In the paper, sufficient conditions are set for the presence of potential risk to increase optimal saving levels and an approximation formula for optimal saving is demonstrated. Particular models for a few concrete expected utility operators are analyzed for triangular fuzzy numbers and CRRA-utility functions.
The Inhibition of Icing and Frosting on Glass Surfaces by the Coating of Polyethylene Glycol and Polypeptide Mimicking Antifreeze Protein
Authors: Kasahara Kazuya , Waku Tomonori , Wilson Peter W. , Tonooka Taishi , Hagiwara Yoshimichi
Published: February 2020

The development of anti-icing, anti-frosting transparent plates is important for many reasons, such as poor visibility through the ice-covered windshields of vehicles. We have fabricated new glass surfaces coated with polypeptides which mimic a part of winter flounder antifreeze protein. We adopted glutaraldehyde and polyethylene glycol as linkers between these polypeptides and silane coupling agents applied to the glass surfaces. We have measured the contact angle, the temperature of water droplets on the cooling surfaces, and the frost weight. In addition, we have conducted surface roughness observation and surface elemental analysis. It was found that peaks in the height profile, obtained with the atomic force microscope for the polypeptide-coated surface with polyethylene glycol, were much higher than those for the surface without the polypeptide. This shows the adhesion of many polypeptide aggregates to the polyethylene glycol locally. The average supercooling temperature of the droplet for the polypeptide-coated surface with the polyethylene glycol was lower than for the polypeptide-coated surface with glutaraldehyde and the polyethylene-glycol-coated surface without the polypeptide. In addition, the average weight of frost cover on the specimen was lowest for the polypeptide-coated surface with the polyethylene glycol. These results argue for the effects of combined polyethylene glycol and polypeptide aggregates on the locations of ice nuclei and condensation droplets. Thus, this polypeptide-coating with the polyethylene glycol is a potential contender to improve the anti-icing and anti-frosting of glasses.
Impact of Statin Use on Dementia Incidence in Elderly Men and Women with Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Kim Mi-Young , Jung Minji , Noh Yoojin , Shin Sooyoung , Hong Chang Hyung , Lee Sukhyang , Jung Yi-Sook
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to determine the association between statins and the prevention of dementia according to sex differences in elderly patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). We performed a nationwide retrospective cohort study using the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database (2007–2015). Among the 264,036 eligible patients aged ≥65 years with IHD, statin users were compared with non–users by propensity score matching at a 1:1 ratio (71,587 in each group). The primary outcome was dementia risk by estimating hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Differential risks of dementia were assessed by sex in the subgroups of statin types, exposure duration, and patient age, implying that sex is an influential factor for the link between statin use and dementia incidence. Among seven commonly prescribed statins, rosuvastatin was associated with the greatest preventive effect on dementia incidence, with an adjusted HR of 0.82 (95% CI = 0.78–0.87). In a subgroup analysis organized by sex, the differential risk of dementia incidence was assessed in each statin group, implying that sex is an influential factor for the link between statin and dementia. This study suggests that appropriate statin use considering sex differences may have beneficial effects on the development of dementia.
Exercise Training Results in Lower Amyloid Plaque Load and Greater Cognitive Function in an Intensity Dependent Manner in the Tg2576 Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Thomas Riya , Zimmerman Scott D. , Yuede Kayla M. , Cirrito John R. , Tai Leon M. , Timson Benjamin F. , Yuede Carla M.
Published: February 2020

Three months of exercise training (ET) decreases soluble Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels in an intensity dependent manner early in life in Tg2576 mice (Moore et al., 2016). Here, we examined the effects of 12 months of low- and high- intensity exercise training on cognitive function and amyloid plaque load in the cortex and hippocampus of 15-month-old Tg2576 mice. Low- (LOW) and high- (HI) intensity ET animals ran at speeds of 15 m/min on a level treadmill and 32 m/min at a 10% grade, respectively, for 60 min/day, five days/week, from 3 to 15 months of age. Sedentary mice (SED) were placed on a level, non-moving, treadmill for the same duration. ET mice demonstrated a significantly lower amyloid plaque load in the cortex and hippocampus that was intensity dependent. Improvement in cognitive function, assessed by Morris Water Maze and Novel Object Recognition tests, was greater in the HI group compared to the LOW and SED groups. LOW mice performed better in the initial latency to the platform location during the probe trial of the Morris Water Maze (MWM) test than SED, but not in any other aspect of MWM or the Novel Object Recognition test. The results of this study indicate that exercise training decreases amyloid plaque load in an intensity dependent manner and that high-intensity exercise training improves cognitive function relative to SED mice, but the intensity of the LOW group was below the threshold to demonstrate robust improvement in cognitive function in Tg2576 mice.
Application of Chaos Theory in the Assessment of Emotional Vulnerability and Emotion Dysregulation in Adults
Authors: Ciuluvica (Neagu) Cristina , Grossu Ioan , Amerio Paolo
Published: February 2020

In this work, we propose an interdisciplinary chaos analysis of emotion dysregulation (ED) and emotional vulnerability in adults. One of the main goals was the assessment of incongruences that occur in the evaluation of one’s own emotional dysregulation mechanisms in the presence of an extremely weak stimulus (Butterfly Effect). Thus, we considered a “flavor” of the Lyapunov Function method based on the assumption that the effort of answering to the test is itself a small perturbation. In this context, we calculated the “instability coefficient” Δ defined as the Euclidean distance between the pairs of vectors that include similar and reverted items of a test. The relationship between Δ, ED, and emotional characteristics as quality (positive/negative) and type (trait/state) was highlighted. We hypothesized that a higher level of Δ should be significantly related with a higher ED and with the type and the quality of emotions. The results suggest that Δ is significantly correlated with trait emotions (positively with negative emotions, and negatively with positive ones) and with ED. Moreover, Δ significantly predicts ED in adults. Thus, we consider that this approach is promising with respect to the evolution of emotional mechanisms across time. The presence of an initial instability to a weak perturbation might predict future abnormal emotional functioning, which could put at risk the mental or psychosomatic systems.
The Maximum Eigenvalue of the Brain Functional Network Adjacency Matrix: Meaning and Application in Mental Fatigue Evaluation
Authors: Li Gang , Jiang Yonghua , Jiao Weidong , Xu Wanxiu , Huang Shan , Gao Zhao , Zhang Jianhua , Wang Chengwu
Published: February 2020

The maximum eigenvalue of the adjacency matrix (AM) has been supposed to contain rich information about the corresponding network. An experimental study focused on revealing the meaning and application of the maximum eigenvalue is missing. To this end, AM was constructed using mutual information (MI) to determine the functional connectivity with electroencephalogram (EEG) data recorded with a mental fatigue model, and then was converted into both binary and weighted brain functional network (BFN) and corresponding random networks (RNs). Both maximum eigenvalue and corresponding network characters in BFNs and RNs were considered to explore the changes during the formation of mental fatigue. The results indicated that large maximum eigenvalue means more edges in the corresponding network, along with a high degree and a short characteristic path length both in weighted and binary BFNs. Interestingly, the maximum eigenvalue of AM was always a little larger than that of the corresponding random matrix (RM), and had an obvious linearity with the sum of the AM elements, indicating that the maximum eigenvalue can be able to distinguish the network structures which have the same mean degree. What is more, the maximum eigenvalue, which increased with the deepening of mental fatigue, can become a good indicator for mental fatigue estimation.
Stage IV Colorectal Cancer Patients with High Risk Mutation Profiles Survived 16 Months Longer with Individualized Therapies
Authors: Hendricks Alexander , Amallraja Anu , Meißner Tobias , Forster Peter , Rosenstiel Philip , Burmeister Greta , Schafmayer Clemens , Franke Andre , Hinz Sebastian , Forster Michael , Williams Casey B.
Published: February 2020

Personalized treatment vs. standard of care is much debated, especially in clinical practice. Here we investigated whether overall survival differences in metastatic colorectal cancer patients are explained by tumor mutation profiles or by treatment differences in real clinical practice. Our retrospective study of metastatic colorectal cancer patients of confirmed European ancestry comprised 54 Americans and 54 gender-matched Germans. The Americans received standard of care, and on treatment failure, 35 patients received individualized treatments. The German patients received standard of care only. Tumor mutations, tumor mutation burden and microsatellite status were identified by using the FoundationOne assay or the IDT Pan-Cancer assay. High-risk patients were identified according to the mutational classification by Schell and colleagues. Results: Kaplan–Meier estimates show the high-risk patients to survive 16 months longer under individualized treatments than those under only standard of care, in the median (p < 0.001). Tumor mutation profiles stratify patients by risk groups but not by country. Conclusions: High-risk patients appear to survive significantly longer (p < 0.001) if they receive individualized treatments after the exhaustion of standard of care treatments. Secondly, the tumor mutation landscape in Americans and Germans is congruent and thus warrants the transatlantic exchange of successful treatment protocols and the harmonization of guidelines.